Methods and compositions for prevention and treatment of inflammatory disease, autoimmune disease, and transplant rejection

ABSTRACT

The invention provides compositions and methods for reducing one or more symptoms of an autoimmune disease, inflammatory disease, and/or transplant rejection, by the administration to a subject in need thereof a pharmaceutically effective amount of a purified compound of any one of Formulae A-E. The invention&#39;s methods are useful for the prevention, amelioration, and treatment of autoimmune disease, inflammatory disease, and/or transplant rejection.

This application is a U.S. national entry of International ApplicationNo. PCT/US02/35153, filed on Nov. 1, 2002, which claims priority to U.S.Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/366,759 to filed Nov. 2, 2001, thecontents of which are incorporated herein in their entirety.

This invention was made, in part with government support under grantnumber AI 47182 awarded by the National Institutes of Health. The U.S.government has certain rights in the invention.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to compositions and methods for reducing one ormore symptoms of an autoimmune disease, inflammatory disease, and/ortransplant rejection, by the administration to a subject in need thereofa pharmaceutically effective amount of a purified compound of any one ofFormulae A-E. The invention's methods are useful for the prevention,amelioration, and treatment of autoimmune disease, inflammatory disease,and/or transplant rejection.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Inflammatory disease, autoimmune disease, and transplant rejection exerta devastating personal and economic burden. Inflammatory disease occurswhen an inflammatory response is initiated that is inappropriate and/ordoes not resolve in the normal manner but rather persists and results ina chronic inflammatory state. Examples of some of the most common andproblematic inflammatory diseases are sepsis, septic shock, rheumatoidarthritis, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), psoriasis, asthma,emphysema, colitis and ischemia-reperfusion injury. In particular,sepsis, which is a systemic inflammatory response to infection, leads tomulti-organ failure through disseminated intravascular coagulation(DIC). In this disease, auto amplification processes contribute to theincreased acceleration of coagulation abnormalities, inflammation, andendothelial injury. Sepsis leads to approximately 700,000hospitalizations, of which 45% progress to septic shock leading to100,000 lethalities, which makes septic shock the tenth leading cause ofdeath in the U.S.A.

Several approaches have been tried to control sepsis including anti-LPSantiserum, anti-CD14 antiserum, anti-TNFα antiserum or soluble TNFαreceptor, anti-IL1 antiserum or IL1-R antagonist, PAF antagonist, IL-10,tissue factor pathway inhibitors, glucocorticoids, nonsteroidalanti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and nitrogen oxide (NO) inhibitors.However, none of these approaches has provided significant beneficialoutcomes in human clinical trials if sepsis.

Autoimmune disease is exemplified by inflammatory bowel disease, whichis a widespread and devastating autoimmune syndrome that encompassesInflammatory Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Crohn's Disease and ChronicUlcerative Colitis.

Inflammatory bowel disease/Crohn's disease represent autoimmunedisorders (Groux, et al. (1997) Nature 389, no. 6652:737-42; Davidson,et al. (1996) J Exp Med 184, no. 1:241-51) that are additionallycharacterized by significant endotoxin levels in the blood, whichpromote further lymphocyte and macrophage activation (Aoki (1978) ActaMed Okayama 32, no. 2:147-58; Grimm, et al. (1995) Clin Exp Immunol 100,no. 2:291-7). Crohn's disease is a serious inflammatory disease of thegastrointestinal (GI) tract that behaves similarly to ulcerativecolitis, from which it may be difficult to differentiate. Crohn'sdisease predominates in the intestine (ileum) and the large intestine(colon), but may occur in any section of the GI tract. Unlike Crohn'sdisease, in which all layers of the intestine are involved, and in whichthere can be normal healthy bowel in between patches of diseased bowel,ulcerative colitis affects the innermost lining (mucosa) of the colon ina continuous manner. 400,000 Americans have Crohn's disease, and over 1million people suffer from general inflammatory bowel syndrome (IBS).Currently, therapy for IBDs is mostly restricted to treatment thatdecreases inflammation and usually controls the symptoms, but does notprovide a cure.

Another example of autoimmune disease is rheumatoid arthritis (RA). RAis the most common form of inflammatory arthritis, is a disorder ofunknown etiology which affects 1% of the adult population, and ischaracterized by symmetric, chronic, erosive synovitis (inflammation ofthe joint synovial lining) and frequent multisystem involvement. Mostpatients exhibit a chronic fluctuating course of disease that, if leftuntreated, results in progressive joint destruction, deformity,disability, and premature death. Symptoms indicative of RA include painand swelling of the joints (usually symmetrical), morning stiffness ofjoints and muscles, general weakness/fatigue and fever and weight loss.RA results in more than 9 million physician visits and more than 250,000hospitalizations per year in the U.S. each year. It frequently affectspatients in their most productive years, and thus, disability results inmajor economic loss.

At present, there is no cure or prevention (prophylactic) available forrheumatoid arthritis, but only regimes that address symptoms such aspain and stiffness. The five major treatment modalities for this diseaseinclude medication (pharmacological), physical (exercise), jointprotection, lifestyle changes, and surgery. Therapeutics for rheumatoidarthritis can be divided into three groups: NSAIDs, disease modifyinganti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) also known as second line agents, andcorticosteroids. Each of these therapeutics has drawbacks.

For example, although NSAIDs effectively address the acute inflammatorycomponent of rheumatoid arthritis, they only treat its symptoms, and donot change the progression of the underlying disease. The deleteriousside effects of NSAIDs can be serious with prolonged administration andare mainly gastrointestinal (heartburn, bleeding or ulcers).

DMARDs work by suppressing immune cells involved in the inflammatoryresponse thus slowing progression of the disease. However, they areunable to reverse permanent joint damage. The most common drugs of thisclass are gold salts, methotrexate, azathioprine, sulphasalazine,hydroxychloroquine, penicillamine and chloroquine. DMARDs often takeseveral weeks for beneficial effects to be seen and in many cases theexact mode of efficacy in rheumatoid arthritis is unknown. Side effectsare numerous including mouth sores, rashes, diarrhea and nausea. Moreserious side effects which necessitate careful monitoring throughregular blood and urine tests include liver and kidney damage, excessivelowering of the white blood cell count (immune suppression) and plateletcount (blood clotting).

The long term-use of corticosteroids poses serious side effectsincluding cataracts, high blood pressure, muscle wasting, bruising,thinning of skin and bones, weight gain, diabetes and susceptibility toinfection. Thus, none of the therapeutic approaches to RA aresatisfactory.

Successful organ transplantation requires effective physiological andpharmacological intervention of the immune system of an organ recipient.Immunologic mechanisms are universal among the human species. Buthistocompatibility variations between donor and recipient leadinevitably to rejection of donor tissue by stimulation of therecipient's immune system except, perhaps, in donor-recipient pairing ofthe monozygotic type. One approach to intervention in the immuneresponse in an organ transplant recipient, especially a recipienttargeted for an allogenic or homologous graft, is by the use ofimmunosuppressive drugs. These drugs have been used to prolong survivalof transplanted organs in recipients in cases involving, for example,transplants of kidney, liver, heart, bone marrow and pancreas.

There are several types of immunosuppressive drugs available for use inreducing organ rejection in transplantation. Such drugs fall withinthree major classes, namely: antiproliferative agents,antiinflammatory-acting compounds and inhibitors of lymphocyteactivation. These drugs, however, have many drawbacks.

For example, antiproliferative agents (e.g., azathioprine,cyclophosphamide and methotrexate) mediate mitosis and cell division.However, these agents have severe side effects on normal cellpopulations which have a high turn-over rate, such as bone marrow cellsand cells of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract lining. Accordingly, suchdrugs often have severe side effects, particularly, bone marrowdepression, liver damage, hair loss and GI tract disturbances.

A second class of immunosuppressive drugs for use in transplantation isprovided by compounds having antiinflammatory action, such as adrenalcorticosteroids (e.g., prednisone and prednisolone). However, adrenalcorticosteroids lack specificity of effect and can exert a broad rangeof metabolic, antiinflammatory and auto-immune effects. Typical sideeffects of this class include increased organ-recipient infections andinterference with wound healing, as well as disturbing hemodynamicbalance, carbohydrate and bone metabolism and mineral regulation.

A third class of immunosuppressive drugs for use in organtransplantation is provided by compounds which generally prevent orinhibit lymphocyte activation, for example, cyclosporins. Cyclosporinshave several significant disadvantages. Firstly, cyclosporins arenon-specific immunosuppressive. Thus, immunologic reactions totransplanted tissue are not totally impeded, and desirable immunereactions may be reduced against other foreign antigens. Secondly,cyclosporins can produce severe side effects in many organ recipients.In addition, cyclosporins show host-variable effects on the liver, theCNS and GI tract. Significant among the adverse side effects are damageto the kidney and hyperplasia of gum tissue.

Thus, there remains a need for compositions and methods for theprevention and treatment of inflammatory disease, autoimmune disease,and transplant rejection.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention provides compositions and methods for the prevention andtreatment of inflammatory disease, autoimmune disease, and transplantrejection. In one embodiment, the invention provides a method forreducing one or more symptoms of a condition selected from autoimmunedisease, inflammatory disease, and transplant rejection, said methodcomprising administering to a subject a pharmaceutically effectiveamount of a purified compound having the following structure of FormulaA,

wherein: (a) each of R₁, R₂, R₃ and R₄ is independently selected fromhydrido, hydroxy, alkoxyl having from 1 to 4 carbon atoms, pyranosesugar, and furanose sugar, (b) each of α and β is from 1 to 5 atomsindependently selected from one or more of oxygen, carbon, sulfur,nitrogen, and phosphorus, wherein said oxygen, carbon, sulfur, nitrogen,and phosphorus atoms are linked to each other by one or more singlebonds or one or more double bonds, and wherein each of said oxygen,carbon, sulfur, nitrogen, and phosphorus atoms is optionally furtherlinked to a hydrido or hydroxyl, and (c) the carbon atom at position 4,position 5′, or positions 4 and 5′ is covalently linked to a hydrido,hydroxy, alkoxyl having from 1 to 4 carbon atoms, pyranose sugar, orfuranose sugar, thereby reducing one or more symptoms of said condition.In one preferred embodiment, each of α and β is —CH—, preferably, eachof R₁ and R₂ is —OH, and alternatively, each of R₁ and R₂ isindependently selected from —OCH₃ and —OCH₂—CH₃, while more preferably,each of R₁ and R₂ is —OCH₃. Alternatively, each of R₁, R₂, R₃, and R₄ is—OH, and the compound is piceatannol. In another alternative, one ormore of R₁, R₂, R₃, and R₄ is —OCH₃, preferably, wherein each of R₁, R₂,R₃, and R₄ is —OCH₃, and the compound is tetramethoxy-stilbene. In afurther alternative, one or more of R₁, R₂, R₃, and R₄ is —OCH₂—CH₃,more preferably, each of R₁, R₂, R₃, and R₄ is —OCH₂—CH₃, and thecompound is tetraethoxy-stilbene. Alternatively, each of R₁, R₂, and R₄is —OH, R₃ is —H, and the compound is resveratrol. In a furtheralternative, one or more of R₁, R₂, and R₄ is —OCH₃, and R₃ is —H, morepreferably, each of R₁, R₂, and R₄ is —OCH₃, R₃ is —H, and the compoundis trimethoxy-stilbene. In another alternative, one or more of R₁, R₂,and R₄ is —OCH₂—CH₃, and R₃ is —H, more preferably each of R₁, R₂, andR₄ is —OCH₂—CH₃, and R₃ is —H. In yet another alternative, each of R₁,R₂, and R₃ is —OH, R₄ is —OCH₃, and the compound is rhapontigenin. Inanother embodiment, the compound is piceatannol,tetramethoxy-piceatannol, resveratrol, or rhapontigenin.

The invention further provides a method for reducing one or moresymptoms of a condition selected from sepsis, inflammatory boweldisease, multiple sclerosis, and asthma, said method comprisingadministering to a subject a pharmaceutically effective amount of apurified compound having the following structure of Formula A,

wherein: (a) each of R₁, R₂, R₃ and R₄ is independently selected fromhydrido, hydroxy, alkoxyl having from 1 to 4 carbon atoms, pyranosesugar, and furanose sugar, (b) each of α and β is from 1 to 5 atomsindependently selected from one or more of oxygen, carbon, sulfur,nitrogen, and phosphorus, wherein said oxygen, carbon, sulfur, nitrogen,and phosphorus atoms are linked to each other by one or more singlebonds or one or more double bonds, and wherein each of said oxygen,carbon, sulfur, nitrogen, and phosphorus atoms is optionally furtherlinked to a hydrido or hydroxyl, and (c) the carbon atom at position 4,position 5′, or positions 4 and 5′ is covalently linked to a hydrido,hydroxy, alkoxyl having from 1 to 4 carbon atoms, pyranose sugar, orfuranose sugar, thereby reducing one or more symptoms of sepsis. In oneembodiment, the subject is human. In another embodiment, the subject isa mouse. In yet another embodiment, the subject is canine. In apreferred embodiment, the compound is piceatannol,tetramethoxy-piceatannol, or resveratrol. In one embodiment,administering is parenteral, oral, intraperitoneal, or intranasal. Inanother embodiment, administering is before manifestation of one or moresymptoms of sepsis, concomitant with manifestation of one or moresymptoms of sepsis, and/or after manifestation of one or more symptomsof sepsis.

Further provided by the invention is a method for reducing one or moresymptoms of a condition selected from an autoimmune disease,inflammatory disease, and transplant rejection, the method comprisingadministering to a subject a pharmaceutically effective amount of apurified compound having the following structure of Formula B

wherein: (a) X₃ is from 1 to 10 atoms independently selected from one ormore of oxygen, carbon, sulfur, nitrogen, and phosphorus, and whereinthe atoms are linked to each other by one or more single bonds or one ormore double bonds, and wherein each of the atoms is optionally furtherlinked to a hydrido or hydroxyl, (b) R₃ is selected from (—H)_(x)wherein x is selected from 1, 2 and 3, straight or branched chain alkylhaving from 1 to 20 carbon atoms, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, benzyl,pyrane, furane, pyridine, pyrimidine, and a moiety having the followingstructure of Formula C,

(c) each of X₁, X₂, X₄, and X₅ is independently selected from hydrogen,hydroxyl, and an alkoxyl having from 1 to 10 carbon atoms, (d) each ofR₁, R₂, R₄ and R5 is independently selected from hydrogen, alkyl havingfrom 1 to 20 carbon atoms, pyranose sugar, and furanose sugar, and (e)the carbon atom at position 4 of Formula B, position 5′ of Formula C, orposition 4 of Formula B and position 5′ of Formula C is covalentlylinked to a hydrido, hydroxy, alkoxyl having from 1 to 4 carbon atoms,pyranose sugar, or furanose sugar, thereby reducing one or more symptomsof the condition. In one preferred embodiment, each of R₁, R₂, R₄, andR₅ is selected from —H, —CH₃, and —C₂H₅. Alternatively, X₃ is selectedfrom —C═C— and —CH—CH—. In another alternative, R₁, R₂, R₄, and R₅ is analkyl having from 1 to 4 carbon atoms. In a further alternative, R₁, R₂,R₄, and R₅ is an alkyl having one carbon atom. In yet anotheralternative, the purified compound has the following structure ofFormula A,

wherein: (a) each of R₁, R₂, R₃ and R₄ is independently selected fromhydrido, hydroxy, alkoxyl having from 1 to 4 carbon atoms, pyranosesugar, and furanose sugar, (b) each of α and β is from 1 to 5 atomsindependently selected from one or more of oxygen, carbon, sulfur,nitrogen, and phosphorus, wherein the oxygen, carbon, sulfur, nitrogen,and phosphorus atoms are linked to each other by one or more singlebonds or one or more double bonds, and wherein each of the oxygen,carbon, sulfur, nitrogen, and phosphorus atoms is optionally furtherlinked to a hydrido or hydroxyl, and (c) the carbon atom at position 4,position 5′, or positions 4 and 5′ is covalently linked to a hydrido,hydroxy, alkoxyl having from I to 4 carbon atoms, pyranose sugar, orfuranose sugar.

Additionally provided herein is a method for reducing one or moresymptoms of a condition selected from an autoimmune disease,inflammatory disease, and transplant rejection, the method comprisingadministering to a subject a pharmaceutically effective amount of apurified compound having the following structure of Formula D

wherein: (a) X₁ is from 1 to 10 atoms independently selected from one ormore of oxygen, carbon, sulfur, nitrogen, and phosphorus, and whereinthe atoms are linked to each other by one or more single bonds or one ormore double bonds, and wherein each of the oxygen, carbon, sulfur,nitrogen, and phosphorus atoms is optionally further linked to a hydridoor hydroxyl, (b) R₁ is selected from (—H)_(x) wherein x is selected from1, 2 and 3, straight or branched chain alkyl having from 1 to 20 carbonatoms, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, benzyl, pyrane, furane, pyridine,pyrimidine, and a moiety having the following structure of Formula E

(d) each of X₂, X₃, X₄, and X₅ is independently selected from hydrogen,oxygen, alkyl having from 1 to 4 carbon atoms, alkoxyl having from 1 to4 carbon atoms, SY₂, NY₂, and PY₂ wherein Y is independently selectedfrom —H and —OH, (h) each of R₂, R₃, R₄ and E is independently selectedfrom (—H)_(x) wherein x is selected from 1, 2 and 3, an alkyl havingfrom 1 to 20 carbon atoms, pyranose sugar, and furanose sugar, and (i)the carbon atom at position 5′ of Formula D, position 4 of Formula E, orposition 5′ of Formula D and position 4 of Formula E is covalentlylinked to a hydrido, hydroxy, alkoxyl having from 1 to 4 carbon atoms,pyranose sugar, or furanose sugar, thereby reducing one or more symptomsof the condition. In one preferred embodiment, the purified compound hasfollowing structure of Formula A,

wherein: (a) each of R₁, R₂, R₃ and R₄ is independently selected fromhydrido, hydroxy, alkoxyl having from 1 to 4 carbon atoms, pyranosesugar, and furanose sugar, (b) each of α and β is from 1 to 5 atomsindependently selected from one or more of oxygen, carbon, sulfur,nitrogen, and phosphorus, wherein the oxygen, carbon, sulfur, nitrogen,and phosphorus atoms are linked to each other by one or more singlebonds or one or more double bonds, and wherein each of the oxygen,carbon, sulfur, nitrogen, and phosphorus atoms is optionally furtherlinked to a hydrido or hydroxyl, and (c) the carbon atom at position 4,position 5′, or positions 4 and 5′ is covalently linked to a hydrido,hydroxy, alkoxyl having from 1 to 4 carbon atoms, pyranose sugar, orfuranose sugar.

Further still, the invention provides a method for reducing one or moresymptoms of an autoimmune disease, inflammatory disease, and/ortransplant rejection, the method comprising administering to a subjectin need thereof a pharmaceutically effective amount of a purifiedcompound of Formula B

wherein: (a) X₃ is selected from O_(n), (CY)_(w), (CY₂)_(w,)(SY)_(w),(SY₂)_(w), (NY)_(w), (NY₂)_(w), (PY)_(w), and (PY₂)_(w), (b) R₃ isselected from (—H)_(x), straight or branched chain alkyl having from 1to 20 carbon atoms, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, benzyl, purane, furane,pyridine, pyrimidine, and Formula C,

(c) x is selected from 1, 2 and 3, (d) each of X₁, X₂, X₄, and X₅ isindependently selected from H, O, CY₂, SY₂, NY₂, and PY₂, (e) Y isindependently selected from —H and —OH, (f) w is an integer from 1 to10, (g) n is selected from 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4, and (h) each of R₁, R₂, R₄and R₅ is independently selected from (—H)_(x) and an alkyl having from1 to 20 carbon atoms, and (i) the carbon atom at position 4 of FormulaB, position 5′ of Formula C, or position 4 of Formula B and position 5′of Formula C is covalently linked to a hydrido, hydroxy, alkoxyl havingfrom 1 to 4 carbon atoms, pyranose sugar, or furanose sugar,glycosylated derivatives, salts, solvates, racemic mixtures,racemic-diastereomeric mixtures, tautomers and isomers thereof, therebyreducing one or more symptoms of the disease. While not intending tolimit the number or nature of moieties in any of the Formulae in thisinvention, in one embodiment, w is an integer from 1 to 4, morepreferably w is 2. In another embodiment, each of X₁ and X₂ is O. In analternative embodiment, each of R₁, R₂, R₄, and R₅ is selected from —H,—CH₃, and —C₂H₅. In yet another embodiment, X₃ is selected from —C═C—and —CH—CH—. In yet a further embodiment, Y is —H. In yet anotherembodiment, the alkyl has from 1 to 4 carbon atoms, nd more preferablythe alkyl has one carbon atom. Alternatively, the alkyl is selected fromhydrocarbyl, halocarbyl, and hydrohalocarbyl. Preferably, the halogen inthe halocarbyl or hydrohalocarbyl is chlorine, bromine, or fluorine. Inan alternative embodiment, the pyrane is selected from glucopyrane,mannopyrane, galactopyrane, and fructopyrane. In another alternativeembodiment, the furane is selected from arabinofurane and ribofurane. Ina particularly preferred embodiment, the purified compound has FormulaA,

wherein: (a) each of R₁ and R₂ is independently selected from —OH and—O(CH₂)_(n)—CH₃, (b) each of R₃ and R₄ is independently selected from—H, —OH, and —O(CH₂)_(n)—CH₃, (c) each of α and β is independentlyselected from O_(n), (CY)_(w), (Cy₂)_(w), (SY)_(w), (SY₂)_(w), (NY)_(w),(NY₂)_(w), (PY)_(w), and (PY)_(w), (d) n is selected from 0, 1, 2, 3,and 4, and (e) w is selected from 1, 2, 3, and 4, and (e) the carbonatom at position 4, position 5′, or positions 4 and 5′ is covalentlylinked to a hydrido, hydroxy, alkoxyl having from 1 to 4 carbon atoms,pyranose sugar, or furanose sugar,

The invention further provides a method for reducing one or moresymptoms of an autoimmune disease, inflammatory disease, and/ortransplant rejection, the method comprising administering to a subjectin need thereof a pharmaceutically effective amount of a purifiedcompound of Formula D,

wherein: (a) X₁ is selected from O_(n), (CY)_(w), (CY₂)_(w), (SY)_(w),(SY₂)_(w), (NY)_(w), (NY₂)_(w), (PY)_(w), and (PY₂)_(w), (b) R₁ isselected from (—H)_(x) straight or branched chain alkyl having from 1 to20 carbon atoms, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, benzyl, purane, furane,pyridine, pyrimidine, and Formula E,

(c) x is selected from 1, 2 and 3, (d) each of X₂, X₃, X₄, and X₅ isindependently selected from H, O, CY₂, SY₂, NY₂, and PY₂ (e) Y isindependently selected from —H and —OH, (f) w is an integer from 1 to10, (g) n is selected from 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4, and (h) each of R₂, R₃, R₄and R₅ is independently selected from (—H)_(x) and an alkyl having from1 to 20 carbon atoms, and (i) the carbon atom at position 5′ of FormulaD, position 4 of Formula E, or position 5′ of Formula D and position 4of Formula E is covalently linked to a hydrido, hydroxy, alkoxyl havingfrom 1 to 4 carbon atoms, pyranose sugar, or furanose sugar,glycosylated derivatives, salts, solvates, racemic mixtures,racemic-diastereomeric mixtures, tautomers and isomers thereof, therebyreducing one or more symptoms of the disease. While not intending tolimit the number or nature of moieties in any of the Formulae in thisinvention, in one embodiment, w is an integer from 1 to 4, morepreferably, w is 2. In another embodiment, each of X₄ and X₅ is O. Inyet another embodiment, each of R₂, R₃, R₄, and R₅ is selected from —H,—CH₃, and —C₂H₅. In a further embodiment, X₁ is selected from —C═C— and—CH—CH—. In an alternative embodiment, Y is —H. In yet anotherembodiment, the alkyl has from 1 to 4 carbon atoms, and more preferably,one carbon atom. Alternatively, the alkyl is hydrocarbyl, halocarbyl, orhydrohalocarbyl. In a preferred embodiment, the halogen in thehalocarbyl or hydrohalocarbyl is chlorine, bromine, or fluorine. In analternative embodiment, the pyrane is glucopyrane, mannopyrane,galactopyrane, or fructopyrane. In yet another embodiment, the furane isarabinofurane or ribofurane. In a most preferred embodiment, thepurified compound has Formula A,

wherein: (a) each of R₁ and R₂ is independently selected from —OH and—O(CH₂)_(n)—CH₃, (b) each of R₃ and R₄ is independently selected from—H, —OH, and —O(CH₂)_(n)—CH₃, (c) each of α and β is independentlyselected from O_(n), (CY)_(w), (CY₂)_(w), (SY)_(w), (SY₂)_(w),(NY)_(w)(NY₂)_(w), (PY)_(w), and (PY₂)_(w), (d) n is selected from 0, 1,2, 3, and 4, and (e) w is selected from 1, 2, 3, and 4, and (e) thecarbon atom at position 4, position 5′, or positions 4 and 5′ iscovalently linked to a hydrido, hydroxy, alkoxyl having from 1 to 4carbon atoms, pyranose sugar, or furanose sugar,

The invention additionally provides a method for reducing one or moresymptoms of an autoimmune disease, inflammatory disease, and/ortransplant rejection, the method comprising administering to a subjectin need thereof a pharmaceutically effective amount of a purifiedcompound of Formula A,

wherein: (a) each of R₁ and R₂ is independently selected from —OH and—O(CH₂)_(n)—CH₃, (b) each of R₃ and R₄ is independently selected from—H, —OH, and —O(CH₂)_(n)—CH₃, (c) each of α and β is independentlyselected from O_(n), (CY)_(w), (CY₂)_(w), (SY)_(w), (SY₂)_(w), (NY)_(w),(NY₂)_(w), (PY)_(w), and (PY₂)_(w), (d) n is selected from 0, 1, 2, 3,and 4, (e) w is selected from 1, 2, 3, and 4, and (e) the carbon atom atposition 4, position 5′, or positions 4 and 5′ is covalently linked to ahydrido, hydroxy, alkoxyl having from 1 to 4 carbon atoms, pyranosesugar, or furanose sugar, glycosylated derivatives, salts, solvates,racemic mixtures, racemic-diastereomeric mixtures, tautomers and isomersthereof, thereby reducing one or more symptoms of the disease. In apreferred embodiment, each of α and β is —CH—. More preferably, each ofR₁ and R₂ is —OH, or each of R₁ and R₂ is independently selected from—OCH₃ and —OCH₂—CH₃, yet more preferably, each of R₁ and R₂ is —OCH₃. Inan alternative embodiment, each of R₁, R₂, R₃, and R₄ is —OH, and thecompound is piceatannol. In a further alternative embodiment, one ormore of R₁, R₂, R₃, and R₄ is —OCH₃. In a more preferred embodiment,each of R₁, R₂, R₃, and R₄ is —OCH₃, and the compound istetramethoxy-stilbene. In yet another embodiment, one or more of R₁, R₂,R₃, and R₄ is —OCH₂—CH₃, and more preferably, each of R₁, R₂, R₃, and R₄is —OCH₂—CH₃, and the compound is tetraethoxy-stilbene. In anotheralternative, each of R₁, R₂, and R₄ is —OH, R₃ is —H, and the compoundis resveratrol. A further embodiment is that one or more of R₁, R₂, andR₄ is —OCH₃, and R₃ is —H, and more preferably, each of R₁, R₂, and R₄is —OCH₃, R₃ is —H, and the compound is trimethoxy-stilbene.Alternatively, one or more of R₁, R₂, and R₄ is —OCH₂—CH₃, and R₃ is —H,more preferably, each of R₁, R₂, and R₄ is —OCH₂—CH₃, and R₃ is —H. Asan additional alternative, each of R₁, R₂, and R₃ is —OH, R₄ is —OCH₃,and the compound is rhapontigenin. Most preferably, compound ispiceatannol, tetramethoxy-piceatannol, resveratrol, or rhapontigenin.

While not necessary, it is advantageous that the invention's compoundsbe glycosylated. In one embodiment for Formula A, R₁ is glycosylated toa pyranose sugar or a furanose sugar. Preferably, the pyranose sugar isglucopyranose, mannopyranose, galactopyranose, or fructopyranose.Alternatively, the furanose sugar is arabinofuranose or ribofuranose. Inanother alternative, the sugar is esterified to a galloyl moiety. Morepreferably, the ester is a 2″-O-gallate ester or a 6″-O-gallate ester.

Also provided herein is a method for reducing one or more symptoms of anautoimmune disease, inflammatory disease, and/or transplant rejection,the method comprising administering to a subject in need thereof apharmaceutically effective amount of a purified compound of Formula A,

wherein: (a) each of R₁ and R₂ is independently selected from —H, —OHand —O(CH₂)_(n)—CH₃, (b) each of R₃ and R₄ is independently selectedfrom —OH and —O(CH₂)_(n)—CH₃, (c) each of α and β is independentlyselected from O_(n), (CY)_(w), (CY₂)_(w), (SY)_(w), (SY₂)_(w), (NY)_(w)(NY₂)_(w), (PY)_(w), and (PY₂)_(w), (d) n is selected from 0, 1, 2, 3,and 4, (e) w is selected from 1, 2, 3, and 4, and (e) the carbon atom atposition 4, position 5′, or positions 4 and 5′ is covalently linked to ahydrido, hydroxy, alkoxyl having from 1 to 4 carbon atoms, pyranosesugar, or furanose sugar, glycosylated derivatives, salts, solvates,racemic mixtures, racemic-diastereomeric mixtures, tautomers and isomersthereof, thereby reducing one or more symptoms of the disease. In oneembodiment, each of α and β is —CH—. More preferably, each of R₃ and R₄is —OH, and alternatively, each of R₃ and R₄ is independently selectedfrom —OCH₃ and —OCH₂—CH₃, yet more preferably, each of R₃ and R₄ is—CH₃. In another embodiment, each of R₁, R₂, R₃, and R is —OH, and thecompound is piceatannol. In a further embodiment, one or more of R₁, R₂,R₃, and R is —OCH₃, more preferably, each of R₁, R₂, R₃, and R₄ is—OCH₃, and the compound is tetramethoxy-stilbene. In yet anotherembodiment, one or more of R₁, R₂, R₃, and R₄ is —OCH₂—CH₃, and morepreferably, each of R₁, R₂, R₃, and R₄ is —OCH₂—CH₃, and the compound istetraethoxy-stilbene.

It is desirable, though not necessary, that Formula A be glycosylated,wherein R₁ is glycosylated to a pyranose sugar or a furanose sugar,preferably the pyranose sugar is glucopyranose, mannopyranose,galactopyranose, or fructopyranose, while the furanose sugar isarabinofuranose or ribofuranose. Alternatively, the sugar is esterifiedto a galloyl moiety, and preferably the ester is a 2″-O-gallate ester oris a 6″-O-gallate ester.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows piceatannol.

FIG. 2 shows tetramethoxy-stilbene.

FIG. 3 shows tetraethoxy-stilbene.

FIG. 4 shows resveratrol.

FIG. 5 shows trimethoxy-stilbene.

FIG. 6 shows rhapontigenin.

FIG. 7 shows rhaponticin 2″-O-gallate.

FIG. 8 shows rhaponticin 6″-O-gallate.

FIG. 9 shows rhaponticin.

FIG. 10 shows the number of ST1−/− mice (filled diamonds) and ST1+/−mice (filled squares) over time.

FIG. 11 shows the number of total lymphocytes and eosinophilsinfiltrating bronchoalveolar lavage fluid in animals treated with orwithout piceatannol.

DEFINITIONS

To facilitate understanding of the invention, a number of terms aredefined below.

As used herein, the term “purified” refers to a compound that is removedfrom its natural environment, isolated, or separated. An “isolated”molecule is therefore a purified molecule. “Purified” molecules are atleast 20% free, preferably at least 60% free, more preferably at least75% free, and more preferably at least 90% free from other componentswith which they are associated. The terms “purify” and “purifying”denote carrying out one or more steps to generate a purified molecule.

The term “resolving” or “resolution” when used herein in reference to aracemic mixture refers to the separation of a racemate into its twoenantiomorphic forms (i.e., (+) and (−); (R) and (S) forms). The termscan also refer to enantioselective conversion of one isomer of aracemate to a product.

The term “enantiomeric excess” or “ee” as used herein refers to areaction product wherein one enantiomer is produced in excess of theother, and is defined for a mixture of (+)- and (−)-enantiomers, withthe composition given as the mole or weight or volume fraction F(+) andF(−) (where the sum of F(+) and F(−)=1). The enantiomeric excess isdefined as (F(+)−F(−). The percent enantiomeric excess is defined by100×(F(+)−F(−)). The “purity” of an enantiomer is described by it's eeor percent ee value.

Whether expressed as a “purified enantiomer” or a “pure enantiomeric” ora “resolved enantiomer,” or “a compound in enantiomeric excess”, theterms as used herein are meant to indicate that the amount of oneenantiomer exceeds the amount of the other. Thus, when referring to anenantiomer preparation, both (or either) of the percent of the majorenantiomer (e.g., by mole or by weight or by volume) and (or) thepercent enantiomeric excess of the major enantiomer may be used todetermine whether the preparation represents a purified enantiomerpreparation.

The term “enantiomeric purity” or “enantiomer purity” of an isomer asused herein refers to a qualitative or quantitative measure of thepurified enantiomer; typically, the measurement is expressed on thebasis of ee or enantiomeric excess.

The terms “substantially purified enantiomer,” “substantially resolvedenantiomer” “substantially purified enantiomer preparation” as usedherein are meant to indicate a preparation (e.g., derived from nonoptically active starting material, substrate, or intermediate) whereinone enantiomer has been enriched over the other, and more preferably,wherein the other enantiomer represents less than 20%, more preferablyless than 10%, yet more preferably less than 5%, and still morepreferably, less than 2% of the enantiomer or enantiomer preparation.

The terms “purified enantiomer,” “resolved enantiomer” and “purifiedenantiomer preparation” as used herein are meant to indicate apreparation (e.g., derived from non optically active starting material,substrates or intermediates) wherein one enantiomer (for example, theR-enantiomer) is enriched over the other, and more preferably, whereinthe other enantiomer (for example the S-enantiomer) represents less than30%, preferably less than 20%, more preferably less than 10%, yet morepreferably less than 5%, and still more preferably less than 2% of thepreparation. A purified enantiomer may be synthesized substantially freeof the other enantiomer, or a purified enantiomer may be synthesized ina stereopreferred procedure, followed by separation steps, or a purifiedenantiomer may be derived from a racemic mixture.

The term “enantioselectivity,” also called the enantiomeric ratioindicated by the symbol “E,” as used herein refers to the selectivecapacity of an enzyme to generate from a racemic substrate oneenantiomer relative to the other in a product racemic mixture; in otherwords, it is a measure of the ability of the enzyme to distinguishbetween enantiomers. A non-selective reaction has an E of 1, whileresolutions with E's above 20 are useful for synthesis or resolution.The enantioselectivity resides in a difference in conversion ratesbetween the enantiomers in question. Reaction products are obtained thatare enriched in one of the enantiomers; conversely, remaining substratesare enriched in the other enantiomer. For practical purposes itgenerally is desirable for one of the enantiomers to be obtained inlarge excess. This is achieved by terminating the conversion at acertain degree of conversion.

The term “hydrido” as used herein denotes a single hydrogen atom (H).This hydrido group may be attached, for example, to an oxygen atom toform a hydroxyl group; or, as another example, two hydrido groups may beattached to a carbon atom to form a —CH₂— group.

The term “alkyl” as used herein, whether used alone or within otherterms such as “hydroxyalkyl,” embraces linear or branched radicalshaving from 1 to 20, more preferably from 1 to 10, yet more preferablyfrom 1 to 4 carbon atoms, and most preferably has one carbon atom. Forsome substituents, more preferred alkyl radicals are “lower alkyl,” thatis an alkyl having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, yet more preferably from 1 to 4carbon atoms, and most preferably one carbon atom. An alkyl as usedherein includes hydrocarbyl, halocarbyl, and hydrohalocarbyl moieties.

The term “cycloalkyl” as used herein embraces cyclic radicals havingthree to about ten ring carbon atoms, preferably three to about sixcarbon atoms, such as cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl andcyclohexyl. The terms “alkylol” and “hydroxyalkyl” embrace linear orbranched alkyl groups having one to about ten carbon atoms, any one ofwhich may be substituted with one or more hydroxyl groups. The term“alkenyl” embraces linear or branched radicals having two to abouttwenty carbon atoms, preferably three to about ten carbon atoms, andcontaining at least one carbon-carbon double bond, which carbon-carbondouble bond may have either cis or trans geometry within the alkenylmoiety. The term “alkynyl” embraces linear or branched radicals havingtwo to about twenty carbon atoms, preferably two to about ten carbonatoms, and containing at least one carbon-carbon triple bond. The term“cycloalkenyl” embraces cyclic radicals having three to about ten ringcarbon atoms including one or more double bonds involving adjacent ringcarbons. The terms “alkoxy” and “alkoxyalkyl” embrace linear or branchedoxy-containing radicals each having alkyl portions of one to about tencarbon atoms, more preferably one to four carbon atoms, such as methoxyand ethoxy group. The term “alkoxyalkyl” also embraces alkyl radicalshaving two or more alkoxy groups attached to the alkyl radical, that is,to form monoalkoxyalkyl and dialkoxyalkyl groups. The term “alkylthio”embraces radicals containing a linear or branched alkyl group, of one toabout ten carbon atoms attached to a divalent sulfur atom, such as amethythio group. The term “aryl” embraces aromatic radicals such asphenyl, naphthyl and biphenyl. The term “aralkyl” embracesaryl-substituted alkyl radicals such as benzyl, diphenylmethyl,triphenylmethyl, phenylethyl, phenylbutyl and diphenylethyl. The terms“benzyl” and “phenylmethyl” are interchangeable. The terms “aryloxy” and“arylthio” denote, respectively, aryl groups having an oxygen or sulfuratom through which the radical is attached to a nucleus, examples ofwhich are phenoxy and phenylthio. The terms “sulfinyl” and “sulfonyl”,whether used alone or linked to other terms, denotes respectivelydivalent radicals SO and SO₂. The term “aralkoxy”, alone or withinanother term, embraces an aryl group attached to an alkoxy group toform, for example, benzyloxy. The term “acyl” whether used alone, orwithin a term such as acyloxy, denotes a radical provided by the residueafter removal of hydroxyl from an organic acid, examples of such radicalbeing acetyl and benzoyl. “Lower alkanoyl” is an example of a morepreferred sub-class of acyl. The term “amido” denotes a radicalconsisting of nitrogen atom attached to a carbonyl group, which radicalmay be further substituted in the manner described herein. The amidoradical can be attached to the nucleus of a compound of the inventionthrough the carbonyl moiety or through the nitrogen atom of the amidoradical. The term “alkenylalkyl” denotes a radical having a double-bondunsaturation site between two carbons, and which radical may consist ofonly two carbons or may be further substituted with alkyl groups whichmay optionally contain additional double-bond unsaturation. The term“heteroaryl” embraces aromatic ring systems containing one or two heteroatoms selected from oxygen, nitrogen and sulfur in a ring system havingfive or six ring members, examples of which are thienyl, furanyl,pyridinyl, thiazolyl, pyrimidyl and isoxazolyl. Such heteroaryl may beattached as a substituent through a carbon atom of the heteroaryl ringsystem, or may be attached through a carbon atom of a moiety substitutedon a heteroaryl ring-member carbon atom, for example, through themethylene substituent of imidazolemethyl moiety. Also, such heteroarylmay be attached through a ring nitrogen atom as long as aromaticity ofthe heteroaryl moiety is preserved after attachment. Specific examplesof alkyl groups are methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, isopropyl, n-butyl,sec-butyl, isobutyl, tert-butyl, n-pentyl, isopentyl, methylbutyl,dimethylbutyl, neopentyl, n-hexyl, n-heptyl, n-octyl, n-nonyl, n-decyl,n-undecyl, n-dodecyl, n-tridecyl, n-tetradecyl and n-hexadecyl. Typicalalkenyl and allynyl groups may have one unsaturated bond, such as anallyl group, or may have a plurality of unsaturated bonds, with suchplurality of bonds either adjacent, such as allene-type structures, orin conjugation, or separated by several saturated carbons.

The terms “pharmaceutically acceptable,” “physiologically tolerable” andgrammatical variations thereof, as used herein to refer to compositions,carriers, diluents and reagents, are used interchangeably and representthat the materials are capable of administration to or upon a subjectand that the materials do not substantially produce an undesirableeffect such as, for example, adverse or allergic reactions, dizziness,gastric upset, toxicity and the like, when administered to a subject.Preferably also, the pharmaceutically acceptable material does notsubstantially reduce the effectiveness of any of the invention'sFormulae A-F in reducing one or more symptoms of disease.

The terms “pharmaceutically effective amount,” “therapeuticallyeffective amount,” “biologically effective amount,” and “therapeuticamount” are used interchangeably herein to refer to an amount which issufficient to achieve a desired result, whether quantitative orqualitative. In particular, a pharmaceutically effective amount is thatamount that results in the reduction, delay, or elimination ofundesirable effects (such as pathological, clinical, biochemical and thelike) in the subject.

The term “therapeutically effective time” refers to the period of timeduring which a pharmaceutically effective amount of a compound isadministered, and that is sufficient reduce one or more symptoms of adisease or condition.

The term “concomitant” when in reference to the relationship betweenadministration of a compound and a disease symptoms means thatadministration occurs at the same time as, or during, manifestation ofthe disease symptom.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The invention provides compositions and methods for reducing one or moresymptoms of an autoimmune disease, inflammatory disease, and/ortransplant rejection, by the administration to a subject in need thereofa pharmaceutically effective amount of a purified compound of any one ofFormulae A-E. The invention's methods are useful for the prevention,amelioration, and treatment of autoimmune disease, inflammatory disease,and/or transplant rejection.

The invention was premised, in part, on the inventor's discovery thatpiceatannol when administered to healthy animals was very well toleratedby the animals, i.e. the inventor did not detect any acute or chronictoxicity even after repeated high dose (1 mg) intraperitoneal injectionsof piceatannol. While investigating lipopolysaccharide (LPS) activationof interferon regulated genes, the inventor also discovered that thenatural stilbene compounds piceatannol and resveratrol block LPS inducedgene expression (e.g., RANTES, MCP-1, TNF) in the micromolar range ofconcentration. Based on these results, the inventor further investigatedthe effect of the exemplary compound piceatannol on septic shock in ananimal model.

Surprisingly, the inventor discovered that a single administration ofpiceatannol in an animal model of sepsis is capable of providing up to100% protection against endotoxic shock (Example 1). In addition,piceatannol administration several hours after LPS challenge in ananimal model of sepsis rescued approximately 50% of the animals. Withoutlimiting the invention to any particular mechanism, it is the inventor'scontemplation that piceatannol's effectiveness in reducing diseasesymptoms that are associated with inflammatory disease and transplantrejection may be mediated by piceatannol's interference with LPSmediated signal transduction in vivo. Indeed, the inventor hasdemonstrated that piceatannol blocks LPS induced gene expression (e.g.,RANTES, MCP-1, ISG54) in the micromolar range in vitro, and thatproduction of TNFα and IL-6 in response to LPS is also inhibited bypiceatannol in vitro.

Surprisingly also, the inventor discovered that administering theexemplary piceatannol in an animal model of multiple sclerosiscompletely halted disease progression (Example 3).

The invention is further described below under (A) Compounds Of TheInvention, and (B) Reducing Symptoms Of Disease.

A. Compounds of the Invention

The invention contemplates compounds of Formula A, B, C, D and/or E asfurther discussed below. One advantage of the invention's compounds istheir low toxicity. For example, data herein demonstrates the lowtoxicity of piceatannol in vivo (Examples 1 and 3). Another advantage ofthe invention's compounds is their ready availability. Indeed, many ofthe invention's compounds are found in plants such as chinese rhubarb,euphorbia sp., grapes, peanut, and sugar cane. The invention's compoundsare also useful because of their efficient absorption by the body. Forexample, greater than 20% of intestinally ingested resveratrol isabsorbed into the blood stream.

In one embodiment, the invention's methods employ compounds of FormulaB:

In one embodiment of Formula B, (a) X₃ is from 1 to 10 atomsindependently selected from one or more of oxygen, carbon, sulfur,nitrogen, and phosphorus, and wherein the atoms are linked to each otherby one or more single bonds or one or more double bonds, and whereineach of the atoms is optionally further linked to a hydrido or hydroxyl,(b) R₃ is selected from (—H)_(x) wherein x is selected from 1, 2 and 3,straight or branched chain alkyl having from 1 to 20 carbon atoms,cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, benzyl, pyrane, furane, pyridine, pyrimidine,and a moiety having the following structure of Formula C,

(c) each of X₁, X₂, X₄, and X₅ is independently selected from hydrogen,hydroxyl, and an alkoxyl having from 1 to 10 carbon atoms, (d) each ofR₁, R₂, R₄ and R₅ is independently selected from hydrogen, alkyl havingfrom 1 to 20 carbon atoms, pyranose sugar, and furanose sugar, and (e)the carbon atom at position 4 of Formula B, position 5′ of Formula C, orposition 4 of Formula B and position 5′ of Formula C is covalentlylinked to a hydrido, hydroxy, alkoxyl having from 1 to 4 carbon atoms,pyranose sugar, or furanose sugar, thereby reducing one or more symptomsof the condition. In one preferred embodiment, each of R₁, R₂, R₄, andR₅, is selected from —H, —CH₃, and —C₂H₅. Alternatively, X₃ is selectedfrom —C═C— and —CH—CH—. In another alternative, R₁, R₂, R₄, and R₅ is analkyl having from 1 to 4 carbon atoms. In a further alternative, R₁, R₂,R, and R₅ is an alkyl having one carbon atom.

In another alternative, R₃ of Formula B has a structure of Formula B,i.e., two structures of Formula B are linked to each other via X₃.

In yet another embodiment of Formula B, X₃ is selected from O_(n),(CY)_(w), (CY₂)_(w), (SY)_(w), (SY₂)_(w), (NY)_(w), (NY₂)_(w), (PY)_(w),and (PY₂)_(w). In another embodiment, R₃ is selected from (—H)_(x),straight or branched chain alkyl having from 1 to 20 carbon atoms,cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, benzyl, purane, furane, pyridine, pyrimidine,and Formula C:

In a preferred embodiment, x is selected from 1, 2 and 3. In oneembodiment, each of X₁, X₂, X₄, and X₅ is independently selected from H,O, CY₂, SY₂, NY₂, and PY₂. In a further embodiment, Y is independentlyselected from —H and —OH. In another embodiment, w is an integer from 1to 20, more preferably from 1 to 10, yet more preferably from 1 to 4,even more preferably from 1 to 2, and most preferably is 2. In a furtherembodiment, n is an integer from 1 to 20, more preferably from 1 to 10,and most preferably is selected from 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4. In oneembodiment, each of R₁, R₂, R and R₅ is independently selected from(—H)_(x) and an alkyl having from 1 to 20 carbon atoms.

In one embodiment, each of X₁ and X₂ is O. In another embodiment, eachof R₁, R₂, R, and R₅ is selected from —H, —CH₃, and —C₂H₅. In anotherpreferred embodiment, X₃ is selected from —C═C— and —CH—CH—, morepreferably is —C═C—. In a particularly preferred embodiment, Y is —H. Inone preferred embodiment, the alkyl has from 1 to 20, more preferablyfrom 1 to 10, yet more preferably from 1 to 4 carbon atoms, and mostpreferably has one carbon atom.

In another embodiment, the alkyl is selected from hydrocarbyl,halocarbyl, and hydrohalocarbyl, and the halogen in the halocarbyl orhydrohalocarbyl is chlorine, bromine, or fluorine. In a furtherembodiment, the pyrane is selected from glucopyrane, mannopyrane,galactopyrane, and fructopyrane. In yet another embodiment, the furaneis selected from arabinofurane and ribofurane.

In one embodiment of Formula B, the carbon atom at position 4 of FormulaB, position 5′ of Formula C, or position 4 of Formula B and position 5′of Formula C is covalently linked to a hydrido, hydroxy, alkoxyl havingfrom 1 to 4 carbon atoms, pyranose sugar, or furanose sugar.

In an alternative embodiment, the compounds of the invention are ofFormula D:

In one embodiment of Formula D, wherein: (a) X₁ is from 1 to 10 atomsindependently selected from one or more of oxygen, carbon, sulfur,nitrogen, and phosphorus, and wherein the atoms are linked to each otherby one or more single bonds or one or more double bonds, and whereineach of the oxygen, carbon, sulfur, nitrogen, and phosphorus atoms isoptionally further linked to a hydrido or hydroxyl, (b) R₁ is selectedfrom (—H)_(x) wherein x is selected from 1, 2 and 3, straight orbranched chain alkyl having from 1 to 20 carbon atoms, cyclopentyl,cyclohexyl, benzyl, pyrane, furane, pyridine, pyrimidine, and a moietyhaving the following structure of Formula E

(d) each of X₂, X₃, X₄, and X₅ is independently selected from hydrogen,oxygen, alkyl having from 1 to 4 carbon atoms, alkoxyl having from 1 to4 carbon atoms, SY₂, NY₂, and PY₂ wherein Y is independently selectedfrom —H and —OH, (h) each of R₂, R₃, R₄ and R₅ is independently selectedfrom (—H)_(x) wherein x is selected from 1, 2 and 3, an alkyl havingfrom 1 to 20 carbon atoms, pyranose sugar, and furanose sugar, and (i)the carbon atom at position 5′ of Formula D, position 4 of Formula E, orposition 5′ of Formula D and position 4 of Formula E is covalentlylinked to a hydrido, hydroxy, alkoxyl having from 1 to 4 carbon atoms,pyranose sugar, or furanose sugar, thereby reducing one or more symptomsof the condition.

In another embodiment, R₁ of Formula D has a structure of Formula D,i.e., two structures of Formula D are linked to each other via X₁.

In another embodiment of Formula D, X₁ is selected from O_(n), (CY)_(w),(CY₂)_(w), (SY)_(w), (SY₂)_(w), (NY)_(w), (NY₂)_(w), (PY)_(w), and(PY₂)_(w). In another embodiment, R₁ is selected from (—H)_(x), straightor branched chain alkyl having from 1 to 20 carbon atoms, cyclopentyl,cyclohexyl, benzyl, purane, furane, pyridine, pyrimidine, and Formula E:

In a preferred embodiment, x is selected from 1, 2 and 3; each of X₂,X₃, X₄, and X₅ is independently selected from H, O, CY₂, SY₂, NY₂, andPY₂; Y is independently selected from —H and —OH; w is an integer from 1to 20, more preferably from 1 to 10, yet more preferably from 10, evenmore preferably from 1 to 4 and most preferably is 2; n is an integerfrom 1 to 20, more preferably from 1 to 10, and most preferably isselected from 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4; and each of R₂, R₃, R₄ and R₅ isindependently selected from (—H)_(x) and an alkyl having from 1 to 20carbon atoms.

In one preferred embodiment, each of X₄ and X₁ is O. In anotherembodiment, each of R₂, R₃, R₄, and R₅ is selected from —H, —CH₃, and—CH₅. In a further embodiment, X₁ is selected from —C═C— and —CH—CH—. Inanother embodiment, Y is —H. In a further embodiment, the alkyl has from1 to 4 carbon atoms, more preferably has one carbon atom. In anotherembodiment, the alkyl is selected from hydrocarbyl, halocarbyl, andhydrohalocarbyl, wherein the halogen in the halocarbyl orhydrohalocarbyl is chlorine, bromine, or fluorine. In yet anotherembodiment, the pyrane is selected from glucopyrane, mannopyrane,galactopyrane, and fructopyrane. Preferably, the furane is selected fromarabinofurane and ribofurane.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the purified compound hasFormula A:

In one embodiment of Formula A, (a) each of R₁, R₂, R₃ and R₄ isindependently selected from hydrido, hydroxy, alkoxyl having from 1 to 4carbon atoms, pyranose sugar, and furanose sugar, (b) each of α and β isfrom 1 to 5 atoms independently selected from one or more of oxygen,carbon, sulfur, nitrogen, and phosphorus, wherein the oxygen, carbon,sulfur, nitrogen, and phosphorus atoms are linked to each other by oneor more single bonds or one or more double bonds, and wherein each ofthe oxygen, carbon, sulfur, nitrogen, and phosphorus atoms is optionallyfurther linked to a hydrido or hydroxyl, and (c) the carbon atom atposition 4, position 5′, or positions 4 and 5′ is covalently linked to ahydrido, hydroxy, alkoxyl having from 1 to 4 carbon atoms, pyranosesugar, or furanose sugar, thereby reducing one or more symptoms of thecondition. In one preferred embodiment, each of α and β is —CH—,preferably, each of R₁ and R₂ is —OH, and alternatively, each of R₁ andR₂ is independently selected from —OCH3 and —OCH₂—CH₃, while morepreferably, each of R₁ and R₂ is —OCH₃. Alternatively, each of R₁, R₂,R₃, and R₄ is —OH, and the compound is piceatannol. In anotheralternative, one or more of R₁, R₂, R₃, and R₄ is —OCH₃, preferably,wherein each of R₁, R₂, R₃, and R₄ is —OCH₃, and the compound istetramethoxy-stilbene. In a further alternative, one or more of R₁, R₂,R₃, and R₄ is —OCH₂—CH₃, more preferably, each of R₁, R₂, R₃, and R₄ is—OCH₂—CH₃, and the compound is tetraethoxy-stilbene. Alternatively, eachof R₁, R₂, and R₄ is —OH, R₃ is —H, and the compound is resveratrol. Ina further alternative, one or more of R₁, R₂, and R₄ is —OCH₃, and R₃ is—H, more preferably, each of R₁, R₂, and R₄ is —OCH₃, R₃ is —H, and thecompound is trimethoxy-stilbene. In another alternative, one or more ofR₁, R₂, and R₄ is —OCH₂—CH₃, and R₃ is —H, more preferably each of R₁,R₂, and R₄ is —OCH₂—CH₃, and R₃ is —H. In yet another alternative, eachof R₁, R₂, and R₃ is —OH, R₄ is —OCH₃, and the compound isrhapontigenin. In another embodiment, the compound is piceatannol,tetramethoxy-piceatannol, resveratrol, or rhapontigenin.

In another embodiment for Formula A, (a) each of R₁ and R₂ isindependently selected from —OH and —O(CH₂)_(n)—CH₃, (b) each of R₃ andR₄ is independently selected from —H, —OH, and —O(CH₂)_(n)—CH₃, (c) eachof 60 and β is independently selected from O_(n), (CY)_(w), (Cy₂)_(w),(SY)_(w), (SY₂)_(w), (NY)_(w), (NY₂)_(w), (PY)_(w), and (PY₂)_(w), (d) nis selected from 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4, (e) w is selected from 1, 2, 3, and4, and (f) and (c) the carbon atom at position 4, position 5′, orpositions 4 and 5′ is covalently linked to a hydrido, hydroxy, alkoxylhaving from 1 to 4 carbon atoms, pyranose sugar, or furanose sugar.

Another alternative for Formula A is where (a) each of R₁ and R₂ isindependently selected from —H, —OH and —O(CH₂)n—CH₃, (b) each of R₃ andR₄ is independently selected from —OH and —O(CH₂)n—CH₃, (c) each of αand β is independently selected from O_(n), (CY)_(w), (CY₂)_(w),(SY)_(w), (SY₂)_(w), (NY)_(w), (NY₂)_(w), (PY)_(w), and (PY₂)_(w), (d) nis selected from 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4, (e) w is selected from 1, 2, 3, and4, and (f) the carbon atom at position 4, position 5′, or positions 4and 5′ is covalently linked to a hydrido, hydroxy, alkoxyl having from 1to 4 carbon atoms, pyranose sugar, or furanose sugar.

For Formula A, it is preferred that each of α and β is —CH—, morepreferably, each of R₁ and R₂ is —OH. Alternatively, each of R₁ and R₂is independently selected from —OCH₃ and —OCH₂—CH₃, more preferably,each of R₁ and R₂ is —OCH₃. In an alternative embodiment, each of R₁,R₂, R₃, and R₄ is —OH, and the compound is piceatannol (FIG. 1).Piceatannol is a naturally derived, partially water soluble stilbenederivative (tetrahydroxy-stilbene, Molecular weight approximately 244.2)that has found limited application in the laboratory as an inhibitor ofthe tyrosine kinases Syk and ZAP70 (Geahlen, et al. (1989) BBRC 165, no.1:241-5). Piceatannol acts as a potent inhibitor of the tyrosine kinaseTyk2 (Su, et al. (2000) J Biol Chem 275, no. 17:12661-6).

Alternatively, one or more of R₁, R₂, R₃, and R₄ is —OCH₃, morepreferably, each of R₁, R₂, R₃, and R₄ is —OCH₃, and the compound istetramethoxy-stilbene (FIG. 2). Yet in another alternative, one or moreof R₁, R₂, R₃, and R is —OCH₂—CH₃, more preferably, each of R₁, R₂, R₃,and R₄ is —OCH₂—CH₃, and the compound is tetraethoxy-stilbene (FIG. 3).In a further alternative embodiment, each of R₁, R₂, and R₄ is —OH, R₃is —H, and the compound is resveratrol (FIG. 4). One alternative is thatone or more of R₁, R₂, and R₄ is —OCH₃, and R₃ is —H, preferably whereeach of R₁, R₂, and R₄ is —OCH₃, R₃ is —H, and the compound istrimethoxy-stilbene (FIG. 5). In yet another alternative, one or more ofR₁, R₂, and R₄ is —OCH₂—CH₃, and R₃ is —H, more preferably, wherein eachof R₁, R₂, and R₄ is —OCH₂—CH₃, and R₃ is —H. In another alternative,each of R₁, R₂, and R₃ is —OH, R₄ is —OCH₃, and the compound isrhapontigenin (FIG. 6).

In a preferred embodiment, the invention's compounds are glycosylated.Glycosylated compounds of each of Formula A-E are preferred since it isthe inventor's view that glycosylation increases solubility and/orefficacy of the compound. Glycosylated compounds of the invention areexemplified by rhaponticin (FIG. 9). For example, with respect toFormula A, it is preferred that R₁ is glycosylated to a pyranose sugaror a furanose sugar. Preferably, the pyranose sugar is selected fromglucopyranose, mannopyranose, galactopyranose, and fructopyranose.Alternatively, the furanose sugar is selected from arabinofuranose andribofuranose. In yet another alternative, the sugar is esterified to agalloyl moiety. More preferably, the ester is a 2″-O-gallate ester asexemplified by rhaponticin 2″-O-gallate (FIG. 7). In a preferredembodiment, the ester is a 6″-O-gallate ester as exemplified byrhaponticin 6″-O-gallate (FIG. 8).

In addition to glycosylated derivatives of the invention's compounds,the invention contemplates compounds in either the cis form or transform as well as polymers of each of the invention's Formulae A-E.

The invention also expressly contemplates pharmaceutically acceptablesalts of each of the invention's Formulae A-E. The term“pharmaceutically acceptable salt” embraces any salt that is commonlyused to form alkali metal salts and to form addition salts of free acidsor free bases, including quaternary ammonium salts. The nature of thesalt is not critical, provided that it is pharmaceutically acceptable.Suitable pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salts of each of theinvention's Formulae A-E may be prepared from an inorganic acid or froman organic acid. Examples of such inorganic acids are hydrochloric,hydrobromic, hydroiodic, nitric, carbonic, sulfuric, citric, andphosphoric acid. Appropriate organic acids may be selected fromaliphatic, cycloaliphatic, aromatic, araliphatic, heterocyclic,carboxylic and sulfonic classes of organic acids, the latter of which isexemplified by formic, acetic, propionic, succinic, glycolic, gluconic,lactic, malic, tartaric, citric, ascorbic, glucuronic, maleic, fumaric,pyruvic, aspartic, glutamic, benzoic, anthranilic, p-hydroxybenzoic,salicyclic, phenylacetic, mandelic, embonic (pamoic), methansulfonic,ethanesulfonic, 2-hydroxyethanesulfonic, pantothenic, benzenesulfonic,toluenesulfonic, sulfanilic, mesylic, cyclohexylaminosulfonic, stearic,algenic, β-hydroxybutyric, malonic, galactaric and galacturonic acid.Particularly preferred are pharmaceutically acceptable salts such as,without limitation, hydrochlorides, sulfates, citrates, tartrates andphosphates. Suitable pharmaceutically acceptable base addition salts ofcompounds of each of the invention's Formulae A-E include metallic saltsmade from aluminum, calcium, lithium, magnesium, potassium, sodium andzinc or organic salts made from N,N′-dibenzylethylenediamine,chloroprocaine, choline, diethanolamine, ethylenediamine, meglumine(N-methylglucamine) and procaine. All of these salts may be prepared byconventional means from the corresponding compound of each of theinvention's Formulae A-E by reacting, for example, the appropriate acidor base with the compound of each of the invention's Formulae A-E.

Also expressly included within the scope of the invention are isomers ofeach of the invention's Formulae A-E. The terms “isomer” refers tocompounds having the same molecular formula but differing in structure,such as diastereoisomers, regioisomers, conformational isomers,geometric isomers, enantiomers, and the pharmaceutically acceptablesalts thereof. Isomers which differ only in configuration and/orconformation are referred to as “stereoisomers.” Thus, a “conformationalisomer” refers to a compound that exists in different conformationalforms. For example, different conformers of a single compound may resultfrom torsional asymmetry due to restricted rotation about an asymmetricsingle bond, for example because of steric hindrance or ring strain.

Compounds of each of the invention's Formulae A-E can possess one ormore asymmetric carbon atoms and are thus capable of existing in theform of optical isomers as well as in the form of racemic or nonracemicmixtures thereof. Optical isomers can be obtained by resolution of theracemic mixtures according to conventional processes, for example byformation of diastereoisomeric salts by treatment with an opticallyactive acid or base. Examples of appropriate acids are tartaric,diacetyltartaric, dibenzoyltartaric, ditoluoyltartaric andcamphorsulfonic acid and then separation of the mixture ofdiastereoisomers by crystallization followed by liberation of theoptically active bases from these salts. A different process forseparation of optical isomers involves the use of a chiralchromatography column optimally chosen to maximize the separation of theenantiomers. Still another available method involves synthesis ofcovalent diastereoisomeric molecules by reacting a compound of each ofthe invention's Formulae A-E with an optically pure acid in an activatedform or an optically pure isocyanate. The synthesized diastereoisomerscan be separated by conventional means such as chromatography,distillation, crystallization or sublimation, and then hydrolyzed todeliver the enantiomerically pure compound. The optically activecompound of each of the invention's Formulae A-E can likewise beobtained by utilizing optically active starting materials. These isomersmay be in the form of a free acid, a free base, an ester or a salt.

The term “enantiomer” is used to describe one of a pair of molecularisomers which are mirror images of each other and non-superimposable.Other terms used to designate or refer to enantiomers include“stereoisomers” (because of the different arrangement or stereochemistryaround the chiral center; although all enantiomers are stereoisomers,not all stereoisomers are enantiomers) or “optical isomers” (because ofthe optical activity of pure enantiomers, which is the ability ofdifferent pure. enantiomers to rotate plane-polarized light in differentdirections). Generally, an enantiomer refers to a compound that containsone or more chiral centers, and exists in different optically activeforms. When compounds of each of the Formulae A-E contain one chiralcenter, the compounds exist in two enantiomeric forms and the presentinvention includes both enantiomers and mixtures of enantiomers.Enantiomers have identical physical properties, such as melting pointsand boiling points, and also have identical spectroscopic properties.Enantiomers differ from each other with respect to their interactionwith plane-polarized light and with respect to biological activity.

For enantiomers, the designations “R and S” are used to denote theabsolute configuration of the molecule about its chiral center(s). Thedesignations may appear as a prefix or as a suffix; they may or may notbe separated from the isomer by a hyphen; they may or may not behyphenated; and they may or may not be surrounded by parentheses.

The designations or prefixes “(+) and (−)” for enantiomers are employedto designate the sign of rotation of plane-polarized light by thecompound, with (−) meaning that the compound is levorotatory (rotates tothe left). A compound prefixed with (+) is dextrorotatory (rotates tothe right).

Enantiomers may be resolved by methods known to those skilled in theart, for example by formation of diastereoisomeric salts which may beseparated, for example, by crystallization; formation ofdiastereoisomeric derivatives or complexes which may be separated, forexample, by crystallization, gas-liquid or liquid chromatography;selective reaction of one enantiomer with an enantiomer-specificreagent, for example enzymatic esterification; or gas-liquid or liquidchromatography in a chiral environment, for example on a chiral supportfor example silica with a bound chiral ligand or in the presence of achiral solvent. It will be appreciated that where the desired enantiomeris converted into another chemical entity by one of the separationprocedures described above, a further step is required to liberate thedesired enantiomeric form. Alternatively, specific enantiomers may besynthesized by asymmetric synthesis using optically active reagents,substrates, catalysts or solvents, or by converting one enantiomer intothe other by asymmetric transformation.

The term “racemic mixture,” “racemic compound” or “racemate” refers to amixture of the two enantiomers of one compound. An ideal racemic mixtureis one wherein there is a 50:50 mixture of both enantiomers of acompound such that the optical rotation of the (+) enantiomer cancelsout the optical rotation of the (−) enantiomer.

The invention further contemplates diasteriomeric forms of each of theinventions Formulae A-E. The term “diastereoisomeric” when in referenceto the form of a compound of any one of Formulae A-E refers to acompound that contains more than one chiral center. Thediastereoisomeric pairs may be separated by methods known to thoseskilled in the art, for example chromatography or crystallization, andthe individual enantiomers within each pair may be separated asdescribed above. The present invention includes each diastereoisomer ofcompounds of each of Formula A-E and mixtures thereof.

Furthermore, the invention also expressly contemplates solvates (such ashydrates), tautomers, and zwitterionic forms of each of Formulae A-E andtheir salts.

In one preferred embodiment, the compounds of the invention includepiceatannol (FIG. 1) (also referred to herein as3,3′,4,5′-tetrahydroxy-trans-stilbene or tetrahydroxy-stilbene) andresveratrol (FIG. 4) (trihydroxy-stilbene). Resveratrol and piceatannolare naturally derived, water soluble stilbene derivatives that are foundin many plants with a long-standing history of human consumption (e.g.,grapes, euphorbia sp., rhubarb, etc.) (Kageura, et al. (2001) Bioorg MedChem 9, no. 7:1887-93; Ko, et al. (1999) Arch Pharm Res 22, no. 4:401-3;Bavaresco, et al. (1999) Drugs Exp Clin Res 25, no. 2-3:57-63; WaffoTeguo, et al. (1998) J Nat Prod 61, no. 5:655-7). Resveratrol is theactive ingredient in red wine that accounts for the low incidence ofheart disease in the French population despite a diet rich in fat(“French Paradox”) (Palmieri, et al. (1999) Drugs Exp Clin Res 25, no.2-3:79-85).

In yet another preferred embodiment the hydroxyl group on thecyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, benzyl, purane, furane, pyridine, and/orpyrimidine moiety are replaced by alkyl groups. Exemplary compoundsinclude, without limitation, tetramethoxy-stilbene (FIG. 2),tetra-ethoxystilbene (FIG. 3), and tri-methoxy-stilbene (FIG. 5). It isthe inventor's view that since phenolic hydroxyl-compounds are typicallyrapidly metabolized and inactivated in vivo by conjugation of glucuronicacid to the hydroxyl groups, then modifying the invention's compounds toavoid the availability of free OH-groups would increase the biologicalhalf-life of the compounds. Indeed, the inventor has determined thattetramethoxy-piceatannol (TMP) in vitro is as effective as piceatannolin the inhibition of LPS-mediated ISG induction.

Methods for producing compounds of the invention are known in the artsuch as those for malting hydroxylated stilbenes (Moreana-Manas, M. etal, Anal Quim (1985) 81:157-161; Jeandet, P. et al, Am J. Enol Vitic(1991) 42:41-6; Goldberg D M et al. Anal Chem (1994) 66:3959-63,Murakami, S et al, Biochem Pharmacol. (1992) 44:1947-51; and Thakkar, Ket al, J. Med Chem (1993) 36:2650-51). Additionally, piceatannol isavailable commercially from Sigma Chemical Co., St. Louis, Mo.,CalBiochem, and A.G. Scientific; resveratrol is commercially availablefrom Sigma; and tetramethoxy-piceatannol (TMP) is synthesized by BioconIndia Ltd. (India).

Furthermore, other compounds falling within the scope of the inventionmay be isolated from plant tissue, such as the rhizome of R. undulatum[Kaguera et al. (2001) supra]. In particular, plants that are naturalsources for resveratrols include Vitis vinifera and Polygonum cuspidatum(Huzhang). The concentration of resveratrol in P. cuspidatum is muchhigher than in V. vinifera. Several protocols are known in the art forisolating resveratrols from plant materials [Raventos et al., J. Agric.Food Chem., 43, pp. 281-283 (1995); Langcake et al., Physiological PlantPathology, vol. 9, pp. 77-86 (1976)]. Moreover, resveratrol and itsderivatives may be isolated from transgenic plant tissue that expressesexogenous grapevine resveratrol synthase as described in U.S. Pat. No.5,500,367 issued Mar. 19, 1996 to Hain et al., incorporated by referencein its entirety.

B. Reducing Symptoms of Disease

The invention contemplates using the invention's compounds of any one ofFormulae A-E to reduce one or more symptoms of an autoimmune disease,inflammatory disease, and/or transplant rejection.

The term “disease” refers to an interruption, cessation, or disorder ofbody function, systems, or organs. The term “disease” includes responsesto injuries, especially if such responses are excessive, producesymptoms that excessively interfere with normal activities of anindividual, and/or the tissue does not heal normally (where excessive ischaracterized as the degree of interference, or the length of theinterference).

The term “condition” is used to refer to a disease and/or a response toinjury (e.g., trauma, etc.) or treatment (e.g., surgery, transplantationof tissue from a donor, etc.).

The terms “reducing one or more symptoms of a disease,” “reducing theseverity of a pathological condition,” “diminishing the severity of apathological condition, and “reducing symptoms associated with apathological condition” mean that one or more adverse clinical signs orsymptoms associated with the pathological condition or disease arereduced, delayed, or eliminated, as compared to the level of thepathological condition or disease in the absence of treatment with theparticular composition or method. The effects of diminishing theseverity of a pathological condition may be determined by methodsroutine to those skilled in the art including, but not limited to,angiography, ultrasonic evaluation, fluoroscopic imaging, fiber opticendoscopic examination, biopsy and histology, blood tests, which can beused to determine relevant enzyme levels or circulating antigen orantibody, imaging tests which can be used to detect a decrease ininflammation, or an ophthalmic procedure which can be used to identify areduction in the number of blood vessels in the retina of a diabeticpatient. Such clinical tests are selected based on the particularpathological condition being treated. A reduction in the severity of apathological condition also can be detected based on comments made bythe patient being treated, for example, that a patient suffering fromarthritis feels less pain or has greater joint mobility, or that apatient with diabetic retinopathy can see more clearly, or the like.

The term “autoimmune disease” as used herein refers to a disease inwhich the production of antibodies and/or T cells directed against aself-antigen is a cause of the pathology of the disease. Diseases inwhich autoantibodies are involved include, for example, bullouspemphigoid, Graves' disease, some forms of diabetes mellitus, myastheniagravis, systemic lupus erythematosus, pernicious anaemia, autoimmunehemolytic anaemia, glomerulonephritis, autoimmune thrombocytopenicpurpura. Self-reactive T cells are thought to be involved in rheumatoidarthritis and insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus.

It is contemplated that the invention's compounds are useful inautoimmune diseases such as, without limitation, Sjogren's disease, typeI diabetes, insulin dependent diabetes mellitus, scleroderma,polymyositis, chronic active hepatitis, mixed connective tissue disease,primary biliary cirrhosis, pernicious anemia, autoimmune hemolyticanemia, autoimmune thyroiditis, idiopathic Addison's disease, vitiligo,gluten-sensitive enteropathy, Grave's disease, myasthenia gravis,neutropenia, idiopathic thrombocytopenia purpura, pemphigus vulgaris,autoimmune infertility, Goodpasture's disease, bullous pemphigoid,discoid lupus, systemic lupus erythematosus, dense deposit disease,Hashimoto's disease, fibromyalagia, arthritis selected from rheumatoidarthritis, gouty arthritis, and juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, anautoimmune disease of blood vessels selected from necrotizing angitis,and granulomatous angitis, or an autoimmune disease of kidney selectedfrom nephritis, glomerulonephritis, and systemic lupus erythematosus.

In one preferred embodiment, the autoimmune disease is inflammatorybowel disease (IBD). IBDs comprise an autoimmune component as well as aninflammatory response to chronic LPS exposure. The fact that IBD can beinduced in animal models by adoptive transfer of CD4⁺CD45RB^(hi) T cellscharacterizes this disease as an autoimmune disorder (Kawachi, et al.(2000) BBRC 268, no. 2:547-52). Further evidence for a role of CD4⁺TH1cells is derived from the observation that blocking the effects ofIL-12, the cytokine necessary for induction and maintenance of TH1cells, appears to prevent murine colitis (Neurath, et al. (1995) J ExpMed 182, no. 5:1281-90). Lastly, abrogation of the production ofcytokines such as TNFα and IL-6 by macrophages and other innate immunecells also suppresses the pathological process in animal models (Atreya,et al. (2000) Nat Med 6, no. 5:583-8; van Dullemen, et al. (1995)Gastroenterology 109, no. 1:129-35).

The inflammatory process of the intestine allows bacterial productswhich are abundantly present in the fecal matter to enter the bloodstream, where they promote further activation of the immune response(Aoki (1978) Acta Med Okayama 32, no. 2:147-58; Grimm, et al. (1995)Clin Exp Immunol 100, no. 2:291-7). Bacterial endotoxins orlipopolysaccharides (LPSs) have been detected in the plasma of IBDpatients, and pro-inflammatory cytoldnes and chemokines have beendetected in elevated amounts in mucosal tissue and/or in peripheralblood, thus suggesting a monocyte/macrophage stimulation by entericbacteria and/or their constituents (e.g., LPS). This in turn exacerbatesthe inflammatory processes in the intestine and further increases themucosal damage, which allows even more LPS and similar components tocross the intestinal barrier. This self-feeding process ultimately leadsto a steadily accelerated disease progression.

The term “inflammatory” when used in reference to a disease or conditionrefers to a pathological process caused by, resulting from, or resultingin inflammation that is inappropriate and/or does not resolve in thenormal manner but rather persists and results in an inflammatory state.Inflammation results in response to an injury or abnormal stimulationcaused by a physical, chemical, or biologic agent; these reactionsinclude the local reactions and resulting morphologic changes,destruction or removal of the injurious material, and responses thatlead to repair and healing. Inflammatory disease and conditions may besystemic (e.g., lupus) or localized to particular tissues or organs. Oneunderlying theme in inflammatory disease is a perturbation of thecellular immune response that results in recognition of proteins, suchas host proteins (antigens), as foreign. Thus the inflammatory responsebecomes misdirected at host tissues with effector cells targetingspecific organs or tissues often resulting in irreversible damage. Theself-recognition aspect of auto-immune disease is often reflected by theclonal expansion of T-cell subsets characterized by a particular T-cellreceptor (TCR) subtype in the disease state. Often, inflammatory diseaseis also characterized by an imbalance in the levels of T-helper (Th)subsets (i.e., Th1 cells versus Th2 cells).

Examples of inflammatory diseases include, without limitation, sepsis,septic shock, endotoxic shock, inflammatory bowel disease such asCrohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, multiple sclerosis, inflammatorydiseases involving acute or chronic inflammation of bone and/orcartilage in a joint, anaphylactic reaction, nephritis, asthma,conjunctivitis, inflammatory gum disease, systemic lupus erythematosus,insulin dependent diabetes mellitus, pulmonary sarcoidosis, ocularinflammation, allergy, emphysema, ischemia-reperfusion injury,fibromyalagia, an inflammatory cutaneous disease selected from psoriasisand dermatitis, or an arthritis selected from rheumatoid arthritis,gouty arthritis, juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, and osteoarthritis. Inone preferred embodiment, the inflammatory disease is rheumatoidarthritis. Macrophage infiltration and lymphocyte activation arecritical steps in the development of rheumatoid arthritis.

The invention is also useful for reducing transplant rejection oftissues (e.g., skin) and organs such as, without limitation, transplantsof kidney, liver, heart, bone marrow and pancreas. The term “transplantrejection” refers to any one or more undesirable results, whetherclinical or pathological or the like, that are associated withintroducing a donor tissue to a recipient animal. Transplant rejectionsymptoms generally result from histocompatibility variations betweendonor and recipient that lead to stimulation of the recipient's immunesystem and/or to an inflammatory response against the donor tissue. Fromthe above, the invention is useful for reducing one or more symptoms ofa condition selected from autoimmune disease, inflammatory disease, andtransplant rejection.

While an understanding of the mechanism of action of the invention'scompounds in any one of the conditions in which it finds utility is notnecessary, it is the inventor's view that the compounds disclosed hereinblock LPS induced gene expression of interferon regulated genes by IRF3.The mechanism by which IFNs activate gene expression has been the targetof intense research efforts for many years. The first significantprogress was made when the Interferon Stimulated Response Element (ISRE)was identified as an IFNα/β inducible enhancer, whose activation isnecessary and sufficient for the induction of IFNα/β stimulated geneexpression (Reich, et al. (1987) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA84:6394-6398; Levy, et al. (1986) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA83:8929-8933; Larner, et al. (1984) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA81:6733-6737). The Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription(STAT) 1 and 2 proteins together with Interferon Regulatory Factor 9(p48, ISGF3γ) form the ISGF3 complex that binds the ISRE in response toIFNα/β stimulation.

Numerous genes were identified that contain an ISRE. They representcomponents of the antiviral defense such as the 2′-5′ poly-A-synthase(Zhou, et al. (1993) Cell 72:753-755; Hassel, et al. (1993) EMBO 12, no.8:3927-3304) and the dsRNA activated protein kinase (PKR) (Katze, et al.(1991) Molecular Cellular Biology 11, no. 11:5497-5505), cell surfaceproteins such as ICAM (Dustin, et al. (1986) J Immunol. 137, no.1:245-54; Marotta, et al. (1993) Blood. 81, no. 1:267-9) or the MHCclass I and II molecules (Loh, et al. (1992) EMBO 11, no. 4:1351-1363),genes encoding chemokines such as RANTES, MCP, ISG15, IP10 (Reich, etal. (1987) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 84:6394-6398; Luster, et al.(1987) Mol. Cell. Biol. 7:3723-3731), as well as many other genes withas of yet unknown functions such as ISG54, ISG56 (Larner, et al. (1984)Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 81:6733-6737), GBP (Decker, et al. (1989)EMBO J 8:2009-2014) or 6-16 (Porter, et al. (1988) EMBO J. 7:85-92).

The inventor believes that the invention's compounds may operate is byinhibition of cytokine production via Interferon Regulatory Factor 3activation. Vertebrates and invertebrates respond to bacterial or viralinfection by activation of a defense mechanism that is part of theinnate immune response. Viral infection is the major inducer oftranscription of genes encoding various types of interferons. Theubiquitously expressed IRF3 has been found independently by severallaboratories to be an important cellular response factor to viralinfection. Infection of primary fibroblasts with human cytomegaloviruscauses nuclear translocation of IRF3 and cooperative ISRE binding withthe transcriptional co-activator CBP/p300. This is followed bysubsequent induction of a distinct subset of ISRE containing genes(Navarro, et al. (1998) Mol. Cell. Biol. 18, no. 7:3796-3802). Othergroups reported similar observations after infections of cells withNewcastle Disease Virus or Sendai Virus (Lin, et al. (1998) Mol CellBiol. 18, no. 5:2986-96; Yoneyama, et al. (1998) EMBO J. 17, no.4:1087-1095; Wathelet, et al. (1998) Molecular Cell 1:507-518).Activation of IRF-3 requires phosphorylation of several serine residueslocated in two clusters at the carboxy-terminus of the protein.

Innate immune recognition of bacterial infection is mediated by a systemof germline-encoded receptors (Toll receptors) that recognize conservedmolecular patterns associated with microbial pathogens such as bacterialcell wall lipopolysaccharides (LPS) (Kopp, et al. (1999) Curr OpinImmunol. 11, no. 1:13-8). These receptors, which are coupled todownstream signaling cascades that mediate the induction ofimmune-response genes, represent the most ancient host defense systemfound in mammals, insects and plants. In mammals, it is primarilymonocytes and macrophages that respond to LPS, releasing cytokines andchemokines that provoke an inflammatory response. Excessive amounts ofLPS can result in a fatal syndrome known as septic shock (Kopp, et al.(1999) Curr Opin Immunol. 11, no. 1:13-8).

The cytoplasmic tail of the Toll-like receptors is homologous to theintracellular region of the IL-1 receptor and is therefore referred toas the Toll/IL-1R homology (TIR) domain (Kopp, et al. (1999) Curr OpinImmunol. 11, no. 1:13-8). Significant progress has been made over thelast few years in the identification of the signaling molecules involvedin Toll/IL-1R induced gene expression, however, most of the work focusedon the signaling pathway leading to the activation of the nuclear factorNFKB.

The inventor hypothesized that IRF3 activation represents a generalcellular response to contact with pathogens, and investigated whetherLPS would be able to initiate such a response; similar to viralactivation, ISG induction by LPS involved the activation of IRF3, butnot of an STAT proteins (Navarro, et al. (1999) J Biol Chem 274, no.50:35535-8). In an effort to delineate the LPS mediated signalingcascade that leads to the phosphorylation of IRF3, the inventor foundthat the Tyk2 tyrosine kinase, a Jak family kinase involved in the typeI interferon signaling pathway, is also rapidly activated in response toLPS. Interestingly, Tyk2-deficient macrophages fail to upregulatenitrogen oxide synthase (NOS) in response to LPS (Karaghiosoff, et al.(2000) Immunity 13, no. 4:549-60).

With respect to administration of the compounds of the invention to asubject, it is contemplated that the compounds be administered in apharmaceutically effective amount. One of ordinary skill recognizes thata pharmaceutically effective amount varies depending on the therapeuticagent used, the subject's age, condition, and sex, and on the extent ofthe disease in the subject. Generally, the dosage should not be so largeas to cause adverse side effects, such as hyperviscosity syndromes,pulmonary edema, congestive heart failure, and the like. The dosage canalso be adjusted by the individual physician or veterinarian to achievethe desired therapeutic goal.

As used herein, the actual amount encompassed by the term“pharmaceutically effective amount” will depend on the route ofadministration, the type of subject being treated, and the physicalcharacteristics of the specific subject under consideration. Thesefactors and their relationship to determining this amount are well knownto skilled practitioners in the medical, veterinary, and other relatedarts. This amount and the method of administration can be tailored toachieve optimal efficacy but will depend on such factors as weight,diet, concurrent medication and other factors which those skilled in theart will recognize.

The dosage amount and frequency are selected to create an effectivelevel of the compound without substantially harmful effects. Whenadministered orally or intravenously, the dosage of a compound of anyone of Formulae A-E will generally range from 0.001 to 1000 mg/Kg/day,more preferably from 0.01 to 100 mg/Kg/day, and most preferably from 0.1to 10 mg/Kg/day. To achieve these concentrations in the subject, whenintended for oral administration, the weight of any one of Formulae A-Emay be from 0.01% to 90%, more preferably from 0.1% to 50%, and mostpreferably from 0.1% to 70% of the total weight of the composition.Preferred parenteral dosage units contain from 0.001% to 10%, morepreferably from 0.01% to 10%, and most preferably from 0.01% to 1% byweight of any one of Formulae A-E. When administered intranasally or byinhalation, the dosage range may be from 0.001 to 100 mg/Kg/day, morepreferably from 0.01 to 10 mg/Kg/day, and most preferably from 0.01 to 1mg/Kg/day. Topical formulations may contain a concentration of thecompound of any one of Formulae A-E of from 0.1% to 50% w/v (weight unitto volume unit), more preferably from 0.01% to 20% w/v, and mostpreferably from 0.1% to 10% w/v.

A pharmaceutically effective amount may be determined using in vitro andin vivo assays known in the art and disclosed herein. For example, withrespect to reducing symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease, the efficacyof the invention's compounds of Formula A-E may be determined usingadoptive transfer of CD4⁺CD45RB^(hi) cells and/or IL-10 knock-out micein combination with physiological and histopathological analysis of thetreated animals (Example 2). Referring to sepsis, septic shock, orendotoxic shock, murine animals (Example 1) and canine animals(Sevransky et al. (1997) J. Clin. Invest. 99:1966-1973) may be used asmodels. With respect to multiple sclerosis, MBP-TCR⁺/STAT⁻ mice may beused as described herein (example 3). Animal models for asthma are alsoknown in the art, such as the murine animal model disclosed herein(Example 4).

Methods of administering a pharmaceutically effective amount of theinvention's compounds are well known in the art and include, withoutlimitation, administration in parenteral, oral, intraperitoneal,intranasal, topical, sublingual, rectal, and vaginal forms. Parenteralroutes of administration include, for example, subcutaneous,intravenous, intramuscular, intrastemal injection, and infusion routes.

The compounds of the invention may be administered before, concomitantlywith, and/or after manifestation of one or more symptoms of a disease orcondition. Also, the invention's compounds may be administered before,concomitantly with, and/or after administration of another type of drugor therapeutic procedure (e.g., surgery). For example, in the case ofsepsis, the invention's compounds may be administered before,concomitantly with, and/or after administration of antibiotics.

Pharmaceutical compositions preferably comprise one or more compounds ofthe present invention associated with one or more pharmaceuticallyacceptable carrier, diluent or excipient. In preparing suchcompositions, the active ingredients are usually mixed with or dilutedby an excipient or enclosed within such a carrier which can be in theform of a capsule or sachet in which the coating may be gelatin, sugar,shellac, and other enteric coating agents. When the excipient serves asa diluent, it may be a solid, semi-solid, or liquid material which actsas a vehicle, carrier, or medium for the active ingredient. Thus, thecompositions can be in the form of tablets, pills, powders, elixirs,suspensions, emulsions, solutions, syrups, soft and hard gelatincapsules, suppositories, sterile injectable solutions and sterilepackaged powders. Examples of suitable excipients include lactose,dextrose, sucrose, sorbitol, mannitol, starch, gum acacia, calciumsilicate, microcrystalline cellulose, polyvinylpyrrolidone, cellulose,water, syrup, and methyl cellulose.

Pharmaceutically acceptable carriers are known in the art such as thosedescribed in, for example, Remingtons Pharmaceutical Sciences, MackPublishing Co. (A. R. Gennaro edit. 1985). Exemplary pharmaceuticallyacceptable carriers are sterile saline, phosphate-buffered saline atphysiological pH, polyethylene glycols, polypropylene copolymers, andwater soluble gels.

Other compounds that may be included with the invention's compositionsinclude, for example, diluents, fillers, salts, buffers, preservatives(e.g., sodium benzoate, sorbic acid and esters of p-hydroxybenzoicacid), stabilizers, dyes, antioxidants, flavoring agents, lubricatingagents (such as talc, magnesium stearate and mineral oil), wettingagents, emulsifying and suspending agents, preserving agents such asmethyl- and propylhydroxybenzoates, sweetening agents and/or flavoringagents.

The pharmaceutically acceptable carriers may be liquid, with thecompositions being, for example, an oral syrup or injectable liquid.Compositions in solid or liquid form may include an agent which binds tothe active component(s) and thereby assists in the delivery of theactive components. Suitable agents which may act in this capacityinclude a monoclonal or polyclonal antibody, a protein or a liposome.

Alternatively, the pharmaceutical composition of the present inventionmay consist of gaseous dosage units, e.g., it may be in the form of anaerosol useful in, for example, inhalatory administration. The term“aerosol” is used to denote a variety of systems ranging from those ofcolloidal nature to systems consisting of pressurized packages. Deliverymay be by a liquefied or compressed gas or by a suitable pump systemwhich dispenses the active ingredients. Aerosols of compounds of theinvention may be delivered in single phase, bi-phasic, or tri-phasicsystems in order to deliver the active ingredient(s). Delivery of theaerosol includes the necessary container, activators, valves,subcontainers, spacers and the like, which together may form a kit.Preferred aerosols may be determined by one skilled in the art, withoutundue experimentation.

When intended for oral administration, the composition is preferably ineither solid or liquid form, where semi-solid, semi-liquid, suspensionand gel forms are included within the forms considered herein as eithersolid or liquid.

As a solid composition for oral administration, the composition may beformulated into a powder, granule, compressed tablet, pill, capsule,chewing gum, wafer or the like form. Such a solid composition willtypically contain one or more inert diluents or edible carriers. Inaddition, one or more of the following adjuvants may be present: binderssuch as carboxymethylcellulose, ethyl cellulose, microcrystallinecellulose, or gelatin; excipients such as starch, lactose or dextrins,disintegrating agents such as alginic acid, sodium alginate, Primogel,corn starch and the like; lubricants such as magnesium stearate orSterotex; glidants such as colloidal silicon dioxide; sweetening agentssuch as sucrose or saccharin, a flavoring agent such as peppermint,methyl salicylate or orange flavoring, and a coloring agent.

The pharmaceutical composition may be intended for topicaladministration, in which case the carrier may suitably comprise asolution, emulsion, ointment or gel base. The base, for example, maycomprise one or more of the following: petrolatum, lanolin, polyethyleneglycols, beeswax, mineral oil, diluents such as water and alcohol, andemulsifiers and stabilizers. Thickening agents may be present in apharmaceutical composition for topical administration. If intended fortransdermal administration, the composition may include a transdermalpatch or iontophoresis device.

The composition may be intended for rectal administration, for examplein the form of a suppository which will melt in the rectum and releasethe drug. The composition for rectal administration may contain anoleaginous base as a suitable nonirritating excipient. Such basesinclude, without limitation, lanolin, cocoa butter and polyethyleneglycol.

When the composition is in the form of a capsule, eg., a gelatincapsule, it may contain, in addition to materials of the above type, aliquid carrier such as polyethylene glycol, cyclodextrin or a fatty oil.

The composition may be in the form of a liquid, e.g., an elixir, syrup,solution, emulsion or suspension. The liquid may be for oraladministration or for delivery by injection, as two examples. Whenintended for oral administration, preferred compositions contain, inaddition to the invention's compounds, one or more of a sweeteningagent, preservatives, dye/colorant and flavor enhancer. In a compositionintended to be administered by injection, one or more of a surfactant,preservative, wetting agent, dispersing agent, suspending agent, buffer,stabilizer and isotonic agent may be included.

The liquid pharmaceutical compositions of the invention, whether they besolutions, suspensions or other like form, may include one or more ofthe following adjuvants: sterile diluents such as water for injection,saline solution, preferably physiological saline, Ringer's solution,isotonic sodium chloride, fixed oils such as synthetic mono ordigylcerides which may serve as the solvent or suspending mediurn,polyethylene glycols, glycerin, cyclodextrin, propylene glycol or othersolvents; antibacterial agents such as benzyl alcohol or methyl paraben;antioxidants such as ascorbic acid or sodium bisulfite; chelating agentssuch as ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid; buffers such as acetates,citrates or phosphates and agents for the adjustment of tonicity such assodium chloride or dextrose. The parenteral preparation can be enclosedin ampoules, disposable syringes or multiple dose vials made of glass orplastic. Physiological saline is a preferred adjuvant. An injectablepharmaceutical composition is preferably sterile.

The pharmaceutical compositions may be prepared by methodology wellknown in the pharmaceutical art. A composition intended to beadministered by injection can be prepared by combining the compound ofany one of Formulae A-E with water so as to form a solution. Asurfactant may be added to facilitate the formation of a homogeneoussolution or suspension. Surfactants are compounds that non-covalentlyinteract with the compound of any one of Formulae A-E so as tofacilitate dissolution or homogeneous suspension of the active compoundin the aqueous delivery system.

The “subject” to whom the compounds are administered includes any animalthat is capable of developing symptoms of an autoimmune disease,inflammatory disease, and/or transplant rejection, and that one ofordinary skill in the art determine is in need (for any reason) of suchadministration. Preferably, the subject is a mammal. More preferably,the mammal includes, without limitation, human and non-human animalssuch simians, rodents, ovines, bovines, ruminants, lagomorphs, porcines,caprines, equines, canines, felines, aves, etc. Preferred non-humananimals are members of the Order Rodentia (e.g., mouse and rat). Thus,the compounds of the invention may be administered by human healthprofessionals as well as veterinarians.

In one preferred embodiment, the subject is human, mouse, or canine. Ina more preferred embodiment, the mouse is a C3H/HeJBir mouse havingreduced levels of serum IL-10. The term “reduced levels of serum IL-10”refers to a quantity of IL-10 in serum that is less than the quantity ina corresponding control animal as determined by any statistical methodof analysis. The “reduced levels of serum IL-10” refer to a quantity ofIL-10 that is preferably at least 20% less, more preferably at least 50%less, yet more preferably at least 90% less, than the quantity in acorresponding control animal, and most preferably is at the backgroundlevel of, or is undetectable by, a Western blot analysis of IL-10, byimmunofluorescence of IL-10, by reverse transcription polymerase chain(RT-PCR) reaction for detection of IL-10 mRNA, or by in situhybridization for detection of IL-10 mRNA. When a background level orundetectable level of IL-10 peptide or mRNA is measured, this mayindicate that IL-10 is not expressed. A reduced level of IL-10 need not,although it may, mean an absolute absence of expression of IL-10. Asdisclosed herein, a C3H/HeJBir mouse having reduced levels of serumIL-10 is useful as a model for Crohn's disease.

In another preferred embodiment, the mouse has severe combinedinununodeficiency (SCID). This mouse is useful as a model for colitis.In another embodiment the mouse is RAG1/2^(−/−) mouse that is alsouseful as a model for colitis (Kawachi et al. (2000), supra). In yetanother embodiment, the mouse is a MBP-TCR⁺/STAT⁻ mouse that is usefulas a model for multiple sclerosis in humans. In a further embodiment,the subject is canine. Canine models are accepted in the art as modelsfor sepsis, septic shock, or endotoxic shock (Sevransky et al. (1997) J.Clin. Invest. 99:1966-1973).

Experimental

The following examples serve to illustrate certain preferred embodimentsand aspects of the present invention and are not to be construed aslimiting the scope thereof.

EXAMPLE 1 Piceatannol Inhibits Toxic Shock in a Mouse Animal Model forSeptic Shock

The inventor established that micromolar concentrations of piceatannolare capable of blocking lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced gene expression(such as RANTES, MCP-1, and ISG54). Based on these results, the effectof piceatannol on endotoxic shock was investigated. Endotoxic shock wasinduced by intraperitoneal injection of 1 μg LPS into laboratory mice inthe presence of 20 mg D-galactosamine (D-Gal). This regimen leads to a90-100% lethality rate by 9-12 hours post injection. The following datain Tables 1-3 reports the mortality rate over 28 days of observation. Inone experiment, animals were treated intra peritoneally withpiceatannol. The results are shown in Table 1.

TABLE 1 Piceatannol Administered intraperitoneally prevents septic shockin high and low dose animal model LPS (intraperitoneal) Piceatannol (μg)Lethality rate   1 μg (+D-Gal) — 14/16 — 1000 0/8   1 μg (+D-Gal)  250 5/12   1 μg (+D-Gal)  500 0/8 1000 μg — 9/9 1000 μg 500→1000 3/8

In another experiment, piceatannol was administered intraperitoneallyand/or intravenously as shown in Table 2.

TABLE 2 Piceatannol Administered intraperitoneally and/or intravenouslyprevents septic shock in high and low dose animal model LPS + D-Gal (ip)Piceatannol (μg) Lethality rate 1 μg — 10/12 ** — 1000 (ip) 0/6 — 1000(iv) 0/2 1 μg  250 (ip) 3/8 1 μg  400 (ip) 0/2 1 μg 250 (iv) + 250 (ip)0/6 **The data in Tables 1 and 2 demonstrate that piceatannol displays verylow toxicity in vivo. Mice that had received piceatannol alone showed nosigns of acute (i.e., within 2 hours post-injection) toxicity, even atthe highest doses (1 mg piceatannol, intraperitoneal or intravenously).All animals that received piceatannol (with or without subsequent LPSinjection) have been monitored for several weeks, and thus far show nosigns of delayed toxicity either. The data also shows that a singleadministration of piceatannol by either the intravenous orintraperitoneal routes significantly reduced death associated withendotoxic shock, and that combined intravenous and intraperitonealadministration of piceatannol provided up to 100% protection againstendotoxic shock.

In another experiment, 1 mg of LPS was administered intraperitoneally.Piceatannol or tetramethoxy-piceatannol (TMP) were administeredintraperitoneally prior to LPS treatment, with some mice receivingsubcutaneous doses of either piceatannol or TMP following LPSadministration. The results are shown in Table 3.

TABLE 3 Piceatannol and tetramethoxy-piceatannol (TMP) administeredintraperitoneally and/or subcutaneously prevent septic shock in highdose (1000 μg LPS) and low dose (1 μg LPS + D-Gal) animal model Low DoseModel High Dose Model LPS alone 63 dead/72 total 41 dead/48 total 88%85% LPS + Piceatannol 400 μM 10 dead/21 total 48% 1000 μM  7 dead/20total 35% LPS + TMP 1000-1250 μM  9 dead/24 total 38% LPS + Piceatannol1000 μM pre, 500 μM  8 dead/16 total SC post every 12 50% LPS + 1 TMP1000 μM pre, 500 μM  7 dead/16 total SC post every 12 44%

The results in Table 3 show that intraperitoneal administration ofpiceatannol or tetramethoxy-piceatannol prior to LPS challenge had aprophylactic effect by significantly reducing mortality that is causedby septic shock. The results in Table 3 also demonstrate thatintraperitoneal administration of piceatannol ortetramethoxy-piceatannol prior to LPS challenge coupled withsubcutaneous administration of piceatannol or tetramethoxy-piceatannolfollowing LPS challenge'significantly reduced mortality that is causedby septic shock.

EXAMPLE 2 Treatment and Evaluation of Animal Models of InflammatoryBowel Disease (IBD)

The following animal models of IBD, approaches to exemplary treatmentand scoring of animal treated models are used to test the potentialefficacy of compounds of the invention.

A. Animal Models

1. IL-10 knock-out mice:

IL-10 plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of Crohn's disease(Schreiber, et al. (1995) Gastroenterology 108, no. 5:1434-44). Patientssuffering from Crohn's disease display reduced serum levels of IL-10(Kucharzik, et al. (1995) Clin Exp Immunol 100, no. 3:452-6).Importantly, IL-10 deficient mice spontaneously develop colitis by theage of 3 month (Davidson, et al. (1996) J Exp Med 184, no. 1:241-51;Madsen, et al. (2001) Clin Invest Med 24, no. 5:250-7). While IL-10deficiency is clearly triggering the onset of IBD, other genetic factorscontribute to the disease progression. This is evidenced by the factthat IL-10-deficient C3H/HeJBir mice (Jackson Laboratories, Maine, USA)developed early onset colitis in contrast to IL-10-deficient C57BL/6Jmice. Commercially available IL-10-deficient C3H/HeJBir mice will beutilized since these animals develop colitis spontaneously, this modelrequires minimal experimental handling, and is thus efficient for theinitial evaluation of the test compounds. This animal model allowsevaluation of whether the test compounds suppress disease progressionwhile the animals are receiving treatment.

2. Adoptive transfer of CD4⁺CD45RB^(hi) cells

Colitis development in this model is based on the transfer ofCD4⁺CD45RB^(hi) cells isolated from wildtype mice into SCID orRAG1/2^(−/−) [Jong et al. (2001) Nature Immunology 2(11):1061-1066]recipients as described by Kawachi et al. (Kawachi, et al. (2000) BBRC268, no. 2:547-52). Briefly, spleens will be isolated from wildtypeCB-17 mice (Taconic), and CD4⁺ cells enriched by negative depletion withB220, CD8⁺ and Mac-1 antibodies on the MACS system, and CD⁴⁺CD45RB^(hi)cells will be isolated from the enriched CD4⁺ cell population by FACSsorting (UCSD Flow cytometry core). Six to eight weeks after thetransfer of CD4⁺CD45RB^(hi) cells into SCID CB-17 mice (Taconic), theanimals develop severe colitis. In contrast to the above-discussed IL-10deficient model mice, this model provides an autoimmune disease modelthat is not based on a genetic defect, thus it allows determination ofnot only whether treatment with the test compound results in thesuppression of disease progression, but also whether it leads to a cureof the colitis in these animals. Thus, this model is useful to confirmand extend the findings obtained with the IL-10 deficient mouse model.

B. Treatment of Animals

IL10-deficient mice will be observed for the onset of IBD (˜3 month).Animals that display a weight loss of >10% and suffer from loosestools/bleeding will be used in the study. The treatment group (60animals; 20 animal per compound) will receive 1 mg of piceatannol,resveratrol or TMP subcutaneously (s.c.) in PBS daily (This is thedosage that was found to be effective in the sepsis and EAE models. Oncean effect of the drugs has been established, we will identify the lowestefficient dosage for each of the three compounds). Controls (20 animals)will receive equal volume of PBS. All animals will be monitored andweighed daily. At the time the control animals progress to the moribundstage and have to be sacrificed, half of the animals (randomly selected)in each treated group will also be sacrificed for histological analysis.The remaining treated mice will be kept for continuous monitoring untilthey progress to the moribund stage, but not longer than 60 days.

Once a test compound has been determined to offer potential ininhibiting IBD progression in the IL10-deficient model, we will furtherconfirm the results in the CD4⁺CD45RB^(hi) cell transfer model. TwentyCD4⁺CD45RB^(hi) cell-recipient animals that meet the above listedinclusion criteria for IBD will receive daily s.c. injections with thetest compound that is found active in the IL10-deficient model. Tencontrol animals will receive equal volume of PBS. At the time thecontrol animals progress to the moribund stage and have to besacrificed, half of the animals (randomly selected) in the treated groupwill also be sacrificed for histological analysis. The remaining treatedmice will be kept for continuous monitoring until they progress to themoribund stage. If no such disease progression occurs, the treatmentwill be discontinued after 60 days, and the animals continued to beobserved to determine whether the inflammatory processes resume.

While evaluating the test compounds found most effective in theIL10-deficient model after parenteral administration in theCD4⁺CD45RB^(hi) cell transfer model, we will at the same time test theefficacy of the test compounds after oral administration inIL10-deficient mice. These experiments will be conducted identically tothose outlined above for s.c. application, except that the testcompounds will be administered orally. We will adhere to the exemplarydosage of 1 mg daily with other compounds. While the inventor expects areduced systemic availability of the drugs after oral administration(e.g. the reported intestinal absorption rate for resveratrol in 20%),nonetheless, the higher local concentration of the test compound in theintestine as the site of inflammation may compensate for that, andindeed may be even be advantageous.

C. Disease Scoring and Analysis

All animals in the study will be observed and weighed daily. Inaddition, the mice will be monitored for signs of loose stools ordiarrhea, as will as for rectal bleeding.

The histopathological analysis of the proximal, middle and distal colonsections will be performed by the UCSD Pathology Core Facility. Thisapproach will not only facilitate the cost-effective evaluation of thetissue sections by a trained pathologist, but will also ensure assigningof the grades in a blinded manner. The disease activity may be scoredusing the following exemplary criteria.

TABLE 4 Scoring Animals Treated With The Invention's Compounds LIVEANIMALS HISTOLOGY Weight Colon weight Crypt Inflammation (% Score LossStool Bleeding (mg/cm) damage area affected) 1 0-5% Normal Normal <45Intact  0-15% 2 5-15% Loose Occult 45-55 Loss of basal 15-50% ⅔ ofcrypts 3 >15% Diarrhea Gross >55 Severe >50% bleeding erosion

EXAMPLE 3 Piceatannol Inhibits Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis (EAE) in aMouse Model for Human Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

Experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) represents a murinemodel for multiple sclerosis, a TH1 cells mediated demyelinatingautoimmune disorder. In this modes, STAT1-deficient mice (JacksonLaboratories, Maine, USA) were crossed with mice carrying a tansgenic Tcell receptor against Myelin Basis Protein (MBP) [Lafaille et al. (1994)Cell 78(3):399-408]. The resulting MBP-TCR⁺/STAT1⁻mice, when on an H2b/uor H2u/u background develop spontaneous paralysis. Typically, in thistransgenic system, the disease progresses from early signs of hind legparalysis (level 2) to the moribund stage of lethal paralysis (level 5)within 4-5 days.

Three mice showing clear signs of hind leg paralysis were injected s.c.with 1 mg piceatannol every 48 hours (FIG. 10). Under this regimen theseanimals survived for 30 days, at which time piceatannol administrationwas stopped. Ten days later animals had succumbed to complete paralysisand died (while transgenic animals cannot be cured because of theirgenetic defect, the disease was completely halted for the duration ofadministration of piceatannol). These findings demonstrate thatpiceatannol is highly effective in the treatment of the exemplaryautoimmune disease of multiple sclerosis.

EXAMPLE 4 Piceatannol Reduces Lymphocyte and Eosinophil Infiltration ina Mouse Animal Model for Asthma

Mice (8 animals) were immunized by intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection ofOvalbumin after 2 weeks, The OA solution was administered into the nasalpassage by inhalation without (4) or with (4) concurrent piceatannolregimen (1 mg i.p. daily). FIG. 11 shows that piceatannol administrationresulted in a significant reduction in both lymphocytes and eosinophilsinfiltration into the lungs. This demonstrates that the exemplarypiceatannol is useful in the treatment of asthma.

From the above, it is clear that the invention provides compositions andmethods for the prevention, amelioration, and treatment of autoimmunedisease, inflammatory disease, and/or transplant rejection by theadministration to a subject in need thereof a pharmaceutically effectiveamount of a purified compound of any one of Formulae A-E.

All publications and patents mentioned in the above specification areherein incorporated by reference. Various modifications and variationsof the described methods and system of the invention will be apparent tothose skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit ofthe invention. Although the invention has been described in connectionwith specific preferred embodiment, it should be understood that theinvention as claimed should not be unduly limited to such specificembodiment. Indeed, various modifications of the described modes forcarrying out the invention which are obvious to those skilled in the artand in fields related thereto are intended to be within the scope of thefollowing claims.

1. A method for reducing mortality caused by sepsis in a subject,wherein said method comprises administering to said subject withsymptoms of sepsis a pharmaceutically effective amount of over 10mg/Kg/day and less than 1000 mg/Kg/day of purified piceatannol, therebyreducing mortality caused by sepsis in said subject, wherein saidsubject is selected from the group consisting of human, mouse andcanine.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein said administering isconcomitant with or after manifestation of one or more symptoms ofsepsis.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein said pharmaceuticallyeffective amount is over 10 mg/Kg/day and less than 100 mg/Kg/day. 4.The method of claim 1, said pharmaceutically effective amount is over 25mg/Kg/day and less than 1000 mg/Kg/day.
 5. A method for reducingmortality caused by sepsis in a subject, wherein said method comprisesadministering to said subject with symptoms of sepsis a pharmaceuticallyeffective amount of over 10 mg/Kg/day and less than 1000 mg/Kg/day ofpurified tetramethoxy-piceatannol, thereby reducing mortality caused bysepsis in said subject, wherein said subject is selected from the groupconsisting of human, mouse and canine.
 6. The method of claim 5, whereinsaid administering is concomitant with or after manifestation of one ormore symptoms of sepsis.
 7. The method of claim 5, wherein saidpharmaceutically effective amount is over 10 mg/Kg/day and less than 100mg/Kg/day.
 8. The method of claim 5, said pharmaceutically effectiveamount is over 25 mg/Kg/day and less than 1000 mg/Kg/day.
 9. A methodfor reducing mortality caused by sepsis in a subject, wherein saidmethod comprises administering to said subject with symptoms of sepsis apharmaceutically effective amount of over 10 mg/Kg/day and less than1000 mg/Kg/day of purified piceatannol, thereby reducing mortalitycaused by sepsis in said subject, wherein said subject is selected fromthe group consisting of human, mouse and canine, and wherein mortalityreduction is from 41% to 100%.
 10. A method for reducing mortalitycaused by sepsis in a subject, wherein said method comprisesadministering to said subject with symptoms of sepsis a pharmaceuticallyeffective amount of over 10 mg/Kg/day and less than 1000 mg/Kg/day ofpurified tetramethoxy-piceatannol, thereby reducing mortality caused bysepsis in said subject, wherein said subject is selected from the groupconsisting of human, mouse and canine, and wherein mortality reductionis 48%.